As the race for the National League Cy Young Award narrows, opinions from teammates, analysts, and fans are adding fuel to the debate. At the center of the discussion is Zack Wheeler, the formidable pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, whose recent performance has put him at the forefront of the race.
Wheeler's Stellar Season
Bryce Harper, Wheeler's teammate and ardent supporter, has been vocal about his belief that Wheeler is the prime candidate for the Cy Young this year. "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," Harper remarked.
Wheeler's performance against the Milwaukee Brewers showcased his capabilities, where he pitched seven innings, giving up just one run on four hits. He struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, further lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.56. This game highlights Wheeler's durability and resilience, attributes that have been consistently demonstrated throughout the season.
Statistical Standout
In addition to his recent performances, Wheeler’s standings in various statistical categories underline his value. He is currently second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. These metrics solidify his case as one of the league's top pitchers this season.
Matt Snyder, a well-respected sports analyst, weighed in, mentioning, "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's assessment covers Wheeler’s critical role on the Phillies' roster, emphasizing his importance in maintaining the team's rotation despite challenges.
Comparison with Chris Sale
However, Wheeler faces stiff competition from Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Sale has managed to post a lower ERA and a higher WAR than Wheeler, which are significant benchmarks for the Cy Young Award deliberations. Despite these impressive figures, Wheeler has pitched 14 more innings than Sale, showcasing his stamina and consistent availability for his team.
Past Recognition and Future Potential
This year marks Wheeler's second time finishing in the top five for Cy Young voting, echoing his close finish in 2021. During that season, he narrowly missed winning the award to Corbin Burnes by just 10 points, a loss that still resonates with his supporters. This context adds an extra layer of anticipation and hope for Wheeler's chances in the current season.
Key to the Phillies' Success
Wheeler's role extends beyond just his statistics. As the ace of the Phillies, he has been pivotal in stabilizing the team's rotation, especially through patches of injuries and inconsistencies. His resilience, durability, and sheer skill on the mound have been vital in keeping the Phillies competitive throughout the year.
The debate between Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale for the Cy Young Award is intense, with both pitchers having compelling cases. While Sale's numbers are impressive, Wheeler's contributions to the Phillies' rotation and his robust performance metrics mark a strong argument for his candidacy. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who ultimately takes home the prestigious Cy Young Award.