As the National League Cy Young Award race heats up, opinions and advocacy are flooding in from all corners of the baseball world. The Phillies' outfielder Bryce Harper has thrown his support behind his teammate, Zack Wheeler, making a compelling case for Wheeler's candidacy.
"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," Harper stated passionately. "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 Standout Season
Wheeler's recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers is fresh proof of his excellence on the mound. He threw seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits. His domination was evident as he struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.56.
The Phillies' ace has placed himself among the elite pitchers in the National League this season. He stands second in multiple categories: innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. Wheeler’s command and consistency have been pivotal for the Phillies, particularly in a season rife with injuries and inconsistencies within the rotation.
A Close Contest with Chris Sale
However, Wheeler's path to the Cy Young Award is not uncontested. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves is a formidable competitor, boasting a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler. The race between these two pitchers is razor-thin, adding a layer of intrigue to the award’s outcome.
Despite Sale's statistical advantages in certain areas, Wheeler has made up ground by throwing 14 more frames than Sale. This level of endurance and reliability is a strong argument in Wheeler's favor, reflecting not only his skillset but his resilience and durability on the mound.
Historical Context and Support
For Wheeler, this year marks another significant milestone, being his second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting. His close call in 2021, where he lost to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points, adds a layer of determination and unfinished business to his current campaign.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder also backs Wheeler’s case, highlighting his role as a lynchpin for the Phillies. "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 noted, emphasizing Wheeler's importance to the team's overall performance.
The Intangibles
The 2023 National League Cy Young Award race epitomizes classic sports drama, featuring statistical prowess, personal narratives, and team dynamics. Wheeler’s journey is characterized by his resilience, durability, and standout performances, earning widespread respect and admiration in the sport.
Ultimately, whether Wheeler clinches the Cy Young this year will depend on how voters value the factors of endurance, leadership, and consistent excellence. Harper, Snyder, and a legion of supporters believe Wheeler has done enough to earn the prestigious award. As the season draws to a close, the baseball world watches with bated breath, waiting to see if this year will finally be Wheeler's moment of glory.