The debate over the National League Cy Young Award is gaining momentum, with opinions pouring in from all corners of the baseball world. This year, the competition has boiled down to a thrilling race between Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Both pitchers bring impressive credentials to the table, but Wheeler has some high-profile advocates in his corner.
Bryce Harper, a standout in his own right, has openly voiced his support for his teammate. "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 passionately commented. "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 Stellar Season
Zack Wheeler's season has been nothing short of remarkable. His recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers was a testament to his skill and consistency. Wheeler pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, a performance that has helped to lower his ERA to an impressive 2.56.
Wheeler's statistics place him near the top of multiple National League pitching categories. He is currently second in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. These numbers are not just impressive; they highlight Wheeler's durability and effectiveness over the course of the season. Moreover, this year marks Wheeler's second top-five finish in Cy Young voting, after narrowly losing to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points in 2021.
The Chris Sale Challenge
However, the path to the Cy Young Award is not without its challenges. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves is mounting a strong case of his own. Sale's ERA is even lower than Wheeler's, and he boasts a higher WAR. These metrics undeniably strengthen his bid for the prestigious award. Yet, Wheeler has thrown 14 more frames than Sale, underscoring his resilience and workhorse mentality.
High praise for Wheeler also comes from sports analyst Matt Snyder, who highlighted the role Wheeler has played in keeping the Phillies' rotation formidable despite the team's struggles with 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 noted, emphasizing Wheeler's contributions to the Phillies' success this season.
The Case for Cy Young
Zack Wheeler is more than just the numbers and accolades. He symbolizes stability and excellence on the mound, qualities that are essential for a Cy Young Award winner. Wheeler has been the anchor for the Phillies, brilliantly navigating through the ups and downs of a grueling season. His resilience, durability, and high level of skill have made him indispensable to his team.
This year's Cy Young race encapsulates the very essence of top-tier pitching prowess. It pits Wheeler's robust innings and consistency against Sale's exceptional ERA and WAR. As the season draws to a close, the debate will only intensify, with fans and analysts alike weighing in on who deserves the honor.
Regardless of the outcome, both Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale have put forth seasons worthy of recognition. They have defined excellence on the mound and contributed immensely to their teams' successes. As the votes are cast and the discussions continue, one thing is clear: the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race is a showcase of some of baseball's finest talents.