The debate surrounding this year's National League Cy Young Award is picking up steam, and opinions are pouring in from all corners. Philadelphia Phillies' standout Bryce Harper has thrown his full support behind teammate Zack Wheeler for the prestigious honor, making a compelling case based on the pitcher's remarkable season.
Zack Wheeler's Stellar Season
Wheeler's recent performance against the Milwaukee Brewers was nothing short of impressive. He pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits, and struck out six of the 24 batters he faced. This strong outing helped lower his ERA to an impressive 2.56. Harper didn't hold back in his praise, stating, "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."
Comparing Contenders
Wheeler's statistics speak volumes. He is second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His durability and resilience are highlighted by the fact that he has thrown 14 more frames than one of his main competitors, Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Sale, who boasts a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler, poses a significant challenge in the Cy Young race.
This competition is particularly intense given Wheeler's near-miss in 2021 when he finished just 10 points behind Corbin Burnes. This year marks his second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting, and many believe this should be the year he takes home the award.
Support from Analysts
Sports analyst Matt Snyder has also voiced his support for Wheeler, highlighting his role as a cornerstone 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 remarked. Wheeler's ability to maintain his performance level despite the Phillies' rotation challenges underscores his value and leadership on the mound.
Ace of the Phillies
Wheeler's contributions to the Phillies extend beyond raw statistics. He is widely regarded as the ace of the team, a role that comes with immense pressure and responsibility. His ability to consistently deliver under such circumstances is a testament to his skill and mental toughness. Phillies fans and teammates alike have seen firsthand how Wheeler's presence on the mound can change the dynamics of a game, often giving the team a much-needed boost.
In summary, the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race is shaping up to be a two-horse race between Wheeler and Sale. While Sale has his strengths, Wheeler's comprehensive performance, consistency, and resilience make a strong case for his candidacy. Harper's impassioned support and Snyder's analytical backing further bolster the argument that this could indeed be Wheeler's year to finally clinch the Cy Young Award. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on these two exceptional pitchers, each vying for a place in baseball history.