Opinions and debates are mounting as the race for the National League Cy Young Award heats up, with prominent figures going to bat for their favorites. Amid this dialogue, Bryce Harper has outspokenly backed his teammate, Zack Wheeler, in the escalating conversation.
Harper's endorsement comes on the heels of Wheeler's standout performance against the Milwaukee Brewers. In a game where he pitched seven innings, Wheeler surrendered just one run on four hits while striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This solid display of control and power has only bolstered his standing in the Cy Young debate, as his ERA impressively dipped to 2.56.
Wheeler’s Steady Climb
Wheeler's consistency and resilience have earned him a spot among the leading pitchers in the National League. He ranks second in crucial categories such as innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His prowess on the mound has not gone unnoticed by those within the baseball community. Bryce Harper, reflecting on Wheeler's journey and performances, remarked, "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."
A Tight Race
The competition is stiff, however, with Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves also vying for the coveted award. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR compared to Wheeler, presenting a strong case for himself. Yet, Wheeler maintains an advantage in terms of innings pitched, having thrown 14 more frames than Sale. This durability and consistency are crucial factors in the Cy Young considerations, painting Wheeler as a durable workhorse in contrast to Sale's efficiency-focused approach.
The Support from Analysts
Wheeler's push for the Cy Young is further validated by sports analyst Matt Snyder, who eagerly commends the Phillies’ ace. "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," said Snyder. This sentiment underscores Wheeler's indispensable role in maintaining the Phillies' rotation despite a season riddled with obstacles.
Wheeler's Journey
This year marks Wheeler's second finish in the top five of Cy Young voting. In 2021, Wheeler narrowly missed clinching the award, falling short by just 10 points to Corbin Burnes. The memory of this near-miss only fuels the current narrative, adding a layer of determination and perceived overdue justice to his 2023 campaign.
Wheeler’s attributes reflect not just raw talent, but also resilience, durability, and an unyielding skill on the mound. His ability to navigate through the rigors of the season while maintaining excellence positions him as a favorite in the eyes of many. Moreover, his impact on the Phillies' performance, serving as a backbone to their rotation, has solidified his status as their go-to guy.
A Defining Season
As the season approaches its climax, the discussion surrounding the National League Cy Young Award will undoubtedly intensify. The head-to-head metrics between Sale and Wheeler will be scrutinized, and every outing will carry significant weight in swaying opinions and final votes.
For now, the debate rages on, with Zack Wheeler earning considerable support from influential figures like Bryce Harper and Matt Snyder. Regardless of the outcome, Wheeler's 2023 campaign reinforces his position among the league's elite pitchers, continuing to build upon his legacy with every pitch.