The race for the National League Cy Young Award is heating up, with opinions pouring in from all corners of the baseball world. Among the most vocal supporters for this prestigious accolade is Bryce Harper, who is eagerly championing his teammate Zack Wheeler. Harper passionately expressed, "Yeah, I mean, he's Cy Young. It's not even a question now, just the way he's kind of throwing, the way he's been doing it all year long. He deserves it -- he deserved it three years ago, or two years ago, too, and they robbed him of it, so he deserves it this year, no doubt."
Wheeler's recent performance against the Milwaukee Brewers did nothing but bolster his case for the award. Over a stellar seven innings, the right-hander allowed just one run on four hits. His dominance on the mound was further highlighted by the six strikeouts he recorded out of the 24 batters he faced. This sharp outing has seen Wheeler's earned run average (ERA) dip to an impressive 2.56.
A glance at Wheeler’s season stats reveals his strong standing among National League pitchers. He has firmly positioned himself second in key categories such as innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This consistency is a testament to Wheeler’s resilience, durability, and undeniable skill on the mound—qualities that have left an indelible mark on the Phillies’ season.
The Case for Wheeler
Wheeler’s performance this season has not gone unnoticed by sports analysts. Matt Snyder, a prominent voice in baseball commentary, has thrown his support behind Wheeler, noting, "He's the ace of the best team in the league and has helped hold that rotation up through injuries and inconsistency here in the last two months." This endorsement from Snyder encapsulates the crux of Wheeler’s impact. As the ace, he is the linchpin of the Phillies' rotation, providing stability and excellence even when the team has encountered its fair share of obstacles.
A Worthy Competitor
However, Wheeler's path to the Cy Young Award is not without challenge. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves presents a formidable competition. Despite having thrown 14 fewer frames than Wheeler, Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR, making him a strong contender. The comparison between these two phenomenal pitchers adds an intriguing layer to this year’s Cy Young race.
This season is particularly poignant for Wheeler, as it marks his second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting. The memory of narrowly missing out on the award in 2021, losing to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points, still lingers. This near miss fuels the current campaign, providing an extra edge to Wheeler’s quest for the accolade he has long aspired to secure.
An Ace’s Journey
Reflecting on Wheeler's journey, it's clear that his efforts this year are a continuation of a consistently excellent career. He has been the cornerstone of the Phillies’ rotation, particularly in times of adversity. Injuries and inconsistencies within the team have not deterred him; instead, they have underscored his role as a resilient and reliable leader.
Wheeler’s ability to command the mound with precision and poise while maintaining high performance over extended innings underlines his credentials as a Cy Young-worthy pitcher. His ERA of 2.56 is a testament to his effectiveness in limiting opposition scoring, while his strikeout ability showcases his dominance over batters.
A Final Push
As the season approaches its climax, the spotlight on Wheeler intensifies. The baseball community watches with bated breath to see if he can clinch the accolade that so many believe he rightfully deserves. Whether it is the unwavering support from his teammates or endorsements from seasoned analysts, the narrative around Wheeler is one of expectation and merit.
In the world of baseball, the Cy Young Award is a symbol of pitching excellence. This year, the race is a thrilling showcase of grit, skill, and determination. With Chris Sale proving a worthy rival, Zack Wheeler’s pursuit of the award is not just a personal milestone—it is a testament to his contributions to a sport that thrives on moments of greatness.