The debate over who should claim the National League Cy Young Award is intensifying, with opinions pouring in from players, analysts, and fans alike. At the heart of the conversation is a compelling case for Philadelphia Phillies' ace, Zack Wheeler, strongly supported by his teammate Bryce Harper.
The Case for Wheeler
Wheeler's recent performance against the Milwaukee Brewers has bolstered his position as a top contender for the prestigious award. Pitching seven innings with only one run on four hits allowed, Wheeler demonstrated his usual poise and command. He struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, a commendable feat that further lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.56.
Harper, making a robust argument for Wheeler, said, "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 Season of Consistency
Wheeler's contributions extend beyond individual games. He is second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. Wheeler's durability has been a cornerstone for the Phillies, especially during a season marred by injuries and inconsistencies within the pitching staff.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder echoed Harper's sentiment, highlighting Wheeler's pivotal role in the team's success: "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."
The Competition
However, Wheeler faces stiff competition from Atlanta Braves' star Chris Sale. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR, metrics that typically sway voters. Yet, Wheeler has shown more endurance, throwing 14 more frames than his Atlanta counterpart. This resilience, paired with his other statistics, makes a compelling argument for Wheeler's candidacy.
Building on Past Success
This season marks Wheeler's second entry into the top five of Cy Young voting. In 2021, he narrowly lost to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points, a result many felt was a snub. This year's campaign seems like an opportunity for redemption, as Wheeler's consistent excellence on the mound remains undeniable.
All these factors combined underscore why Harper, Snyder, and a legion of Phillies fans are passionate about seeing Wheeler finally claim the Cy Young Award. His mix of resilience, skill, and determination symbolizes the spirit of not just his team but the award itself.
As the season draws to a close and the final ballots are cast, the narrative of the 2023 National League Cy Young Award undeniably centers on the duel between Wheeler and Sale. While Sale's numbers are impressive, Wheeler's overall package—his innings pitched, ERA, and the intangibles he brings to the Phillies rotation—make him a formidable candidate.
This year, the decision will ultimately come down to what the voters value most in their ace pitchers. If endurance, leadership, and a season-long demonstration of skill and resilience are the metrics, then Zack Wheeler stands out as a deserving Cy Young Award winner.