Opinions are pouring in about the National League Cy Young Award
Harper Advocates for Teammate Zack Wheeler
In the sports world, advocates for Zack Wheeler to win the National League Cy Young Award are growing louder. One voice that stands out among them all is none other than his teammate, Bryce Harper. "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 said.
Outstanding Performance Against the Brewers
Wheeler's recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers has only fueled the debate. The right-hander delivered a masterful performance, pitching seven innings and allowing only one run on four hits. He struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, pushing his ERA down to an impressive 2.56.
Wheeler's Standing in the League
This season, Wheeler has positioned himself as a formidable force in the National League. He ranks second in several critical categories, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His endurance on the mound is also noteworthy, as he has pitched 14 more frames than his closest competitor, Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves.
A Tight Race with Chris Sale
Speaking of Sale, he remains one of Wheeler's staunchest competitors for the Cy Young Award. Though Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR, Wheeler's resilience and durability have kept him in the running. This season marks Wheeler’s second finish in the top five of Cy Young voting, having narrowly missed the award in 2021 to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points.
Support from Analysts and Teammates
Support for Wheeler extends beyond his teammates. Sports analyst Matt Snyder is also a proponent of Wheeler’s exceptional season. "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 has indeed been the backbone of the Phillies’ rotation, bringing stability despite the team’s injuries and inconsistencies.
A Season of Resilience and Skill
Wheeler has earned accolades for his tenacity and adaptability on the mound. His consistent performance and skill have solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable pitchers in the game. Observers note his ability to maintain high performance under pressure, making a compelling case for his Cy Young Award candidacy.
As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race narrows down to Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale, fans and analysts alike eagerly await the final verdict. Whether Wheeler can clinch the award this year remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his exceptional performance has left an indelible mark on the season.