As the debate over the National League Cy Young Award intensifies, opinions are flooding in from fans and experts alike. At the center of this conversation is Philadelphia Phillies' ace Zack Wheeler, who has received a rousing endorsement from none other than his teammate Bryce Harper. Harper is adamant that Wheeler is the clear choice for the Cy Young Award, boldly 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."
The numbers back Harper's enthusiasm. Wheeler's latest showing against the Milwaukee Brewers was nothing short of stellar, lasting seven innings while surrendering just one run on four hits. His command on the mound was evident as he struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.56. These performances have cemented him as one of the elite pitchers in the National League.
Wheeler's consistency and durability have not gone unnoticed. Among qualified pitchers in the National League, he stands second in innings pitched, ERA, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His ability to eat innings and keep his team in games has been invaluable for the Phillies, especially given the injuries and inconsistencies that have plagued their rotation. Sports analyst Matt Snyder remarked on Wheeler's importance to the team, noting, "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."
While Wheeler's credentials are formidable, the competition for the Cy Young Award is fierce. One of his main rivals is Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR compared to Wheeler, bringing additional elements to the conversation. However, Wheeler has an edge in innings pitched, having thrown 14 more frames than Sale. This additional workload not only highlights Wheeler's durability but also his resilience and skill in maintaining elite performance over a more extended period.
For Wheeler, this year's Cy Young race is a chance for redemption. In 2021, he narrowly missed winning the award, finishing just 10 points behind Corbin Burnes. This season marks his second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting, illustrating his sustained excellence and consistent impact on the mound.
As the regular season draws to a close, the debate over who will take home the prestigious award remains heated. For many, the decision comes down to evaluating Wheeler's sustained year-long excellence against the extraordinary numbers posted by Sale. Each has a compelling case, making this one of the most intriguing Cy Young races in recent memory.
Wheeler's resilience, durability, and skill have been indispensable for the Phillies. Whether or not he wins the Cy Young Award, his contributions this season have solidified his reputation as one of the premier pitchers in the league. And for Bryce Harper and his supporters, there is no doubt that Wheeler's name should be etched onto the Cy Young Award this year.