The race for the National League Cy Young Award is heating up, and opinions are flooding in from all corners of the baseball world. One of the most vocal proponents for the award is Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper, who staunchly advocates for his teammate, Zack Wheeler.
"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 emphatically stated.
Wheeler's Stellar Performances
Wheeler has made a compelling case for himself with his recent performances. In a standout game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Wheeler showcased his dominance by pitching seven innings and allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, further solidifying his reputation as a power pitcher. Such performances have contributed to his impressive ERA, which has dipped to 2.56.
Wheeler's stats place him among the elite pitchers in the league. He stands second in the National League in several key metrics, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. These statistics not only highlight his durability but also his ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season.
Cy Young Contender: Chris Sale
While Wheeler's credentials are impressive, the competition is fierce. Chris Sale from the Atlanta Braves emerges as a strong contender for the Cy Young Award. Sale holds a lower ERA and a higher WAR than Wheeler, emphasizing his efficiency and overall impact on the mound. However, Wheeler has thrown 14 more frames than Sale, demonstrating his durability and stamina over the season.
The Unfinished Business
This isn't Wheeler's first encounter with the Cy Young Award race. In 2021, he finished narrowly behind Corbin Burnes, losing by just 10 points. This history adds a layer of determination to Wheeler's current campaign, as he seeks to clinch the award that eluded him two years ago.
Support from Analysts
Wheeler's case is not only supported by teammates but also by sports analysts. Matt Snyder, a seasoned analyst, has thrown his support behind Wheeler, praising his ability to anchor the Phillies' rotation despite the team's injuries and inconsistencies. "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," Snyder remarked.
Wheeler's supporters highlight his resilience, durability, and skill on the mound, presenting him as a pitcher who thrives under pressure and consistently delivers for his team. These attributes make him a standout candidate in this year's tight race for the Cy Young Award.
Final Stretch
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Wheeler and Sale as their performances could tip the scales in this tightly contested race. Wheeler's demonstrated prowess and tenacity give him a notable edge, making him a favorite in the conversation surrounding the National League Cy Young Award.
The 2023 National League Cy Young race, therefore, hinges on a season's worth of grit, mastery, and strategic play, with Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale standing as exemplars of elite pitching.