The debate over who should win the National League Cy Young Award is intensifying, with strong endorsements for Philadelphia Phillies' Zack Wheeler and Atlanta Braves' Chris Sale. As opinions flood in, the focus centers on Wheeler's outstanding performance this season and his growing list of achievements.
Wheeler's Season Highlights
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is a vocal advocate for Wheeler, stating emphatically, "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." Harper's conviction resonates with fans and analysts alike as Wheeler's stats support the case for his Cy Young candidacy.
One of the significant performances that bolstered Wheeler's candidacy was his recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers. In a display of both skill and resilience, Wheeler pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits and striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This performance lowered his ERA to 2.56, further highlighting his effectiveness on the mound.
Wheeler's consistency has placed him second in the National League in several key categories, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This level of performance is particularly impressive given the Phillies' struggles with injuries and inconsistencies in their rotation. As Matt Snyder, a respected sports analyst, puts it, "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."
A Rival in Chris Sale
While Wheeler's credentials are compelling, the competition is fierce. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves also has a strong case for the Cy Young Award. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR than Wheeler, reflecting his own dominant season. However, Wheeler's durability and sheer volume of work are also in his favor; he has thrown 14 more innings than Sale.
This is not the first time Wheeler has been in the Cy Young conversation. In 2021, he narrowly missed out on the award, losing to Corbin Burnes by just 10 points. The narrow miss adds a layer of resolve to Wheeler's pursuit this year, elevating the stakes further. “He’s shown incredible resilience, not just this season, but throughout his career,” says Snyder.
A Test of Endurance and Skill
Wheeler's contribution to his team cannot be overstated. He is regarded as the ace of the Phillies' staff, a role he has embraced and excelled in despite a rotating cast of fellow pitchers due to injuries. His ability to maintain top-tier performance under such circumstances speaks volumes about his skill and mental toughness. Described as a cornerstone of the Phillies' rotation, Wheeler's influence extends beyond his individual statistics. His presence on the mound provides a stabilizing force and a boost of confidence for his teammates.
As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race narrows down, the competition between Wheeler and Sale encapsulates what makes baseball's pitching duel so enthralling. Wheeler's strong backing from Harper and Snyder, combined with his robust statistics and ability to perform under pressure, makes a compelling case for his selection. On the other hand, Sale's superior ERA and WAR illustrate the quality and effectiveness he brings to the Braves.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to how the voters weigh the various elements of each pitcher's season. Both Wheeler and Sale have delivered performances worthy of the prestigious award, making the final decision all the more challenging and awaited with bated breath by fans and analysts across the league.