As the debate intensifies around the National League Cy Young Award, opinions are pouring in from all corners, with strong endorsements coming from high-profile figures. Among the loudest advocates is Bryce Harper, who passionately believes that his teammate, Zack Wheeler, is the rightful winner. "Yeah, I mean, he's Cy Young. It's not even a question now," Harper stated emphatically. "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 standout performance against the Milwaukee Brewers only bolsters Harper's case. In this crucial game, Wheeler pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.56. This performance further cements his status as one of the premier pitchers in the National League this season.
Wheeler is currently positioned second in key pitching categories, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. Despite these impressive stats, he faces stiff competition from Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves, who boasts a lower ERA and higher WAR. Importantly, Wheeler has pitched 14 more innings than Sale, highlighting his remarkable durability and stamina over the course of the season.
The race for the Cy Young Award is neck-and-neck, with both pitchers showcasing their exceptional skills. This is not Wheeler's first brush with Cy Young contention; in 2021, he narrowly missed out on the award, falling short to Corbin Burnes by just 10 points. This year marks his second appearance in the top five of Cy Young voting, a testament to his consistent excellence on the mound.
The credentials and support for Wheeler extend beyond just Harper. Sports analyst Matt Snyder also lauds Wheeler's performance, emphasizing his pivotal role within the Philadelphia Phillies roster. "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 ability to maintain his high level of performance despite the team's challenges speaks volumes about his resilience and leadership.
Wheeler's season statistics and anecdotes from those closely watching the Phillies reinforce his exceptional year. He is not merely a reliable presence on the mound; he is the backbone of the Phillies' pitching rotation, ensuring stability even when faced with setbacks. His determination, combined with his skill set, make him a standout candidate for the Cy Young Award.
However, the competition remains fierce. Chris Sale, another top contender, matches Wheeler in many aspects and surpasses him in some statistical categories. Sale's lower ERA and higher WAR are significant points in his favor, making the decision for voters all the more challenging. Yet, the argument can be made that Wheeler's additional innings pitched could be a decisive factor, showcasing his workhorse mentality and endurance over a grueling season.
As the season progresses toward its climax, the anticipation surrounding the Cy Young Award only heightens. Advocates for both Wheeler and Sale have strong cases, and the final decision will weigh the nuanced aspects of their performances. For now, the baseball world watches intently, waiting to see which pitcher will emerge as the National League's top hurler.
In the midst of this debate, one thing remains clear: Zack Wheeler's impact on the Philadelphia Phillies and his standout performances make him a worthy candidate. Whether he secures the Cy Young Award this year or not, his contributions to the game and his team are undeniable, earning him a respected place among baseball's elite pitchers.