As the debate heats up over who deserves the 2023 National League Cy Young Award, two names dominate the conversation: Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Amidst the flurry of opinions, Bryce Harper has come out strongly in favor of his teammate Wheeler, emphasizing the pitcher's consistent excellence and resilience on the mound.
Wheeler's Stellar Performance
Wheeler's most recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers showcased his formidable skill. Over seven innings, he surrendered just one run on four hits and registered six strikeouts. This performance has pushed his ERA down to an impressive 2.56, solidifying his position as one of the league's elite pitchers this season.
Wheeler's statistics speak volumes about his impact. He is currently second in the National League in several critical categories, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His ability to maintain such high standards over an extended period has not gone unnoticed.
A Close Contender: Chris Sale
In the race for the Cy Young Award, Chris Sale provides formidable competition. Sale boasts a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler, underscoring his own case for the prestigious accolade. However, Wheeler has the edge in terms of durability, having pitched 14 more frames than Sale. Such stamina is not only commendable but crucial for a team navigating the grueling demands of the MLB season.
This year's contest marks Wheeler's second appearance in the top five of Cy Young voting, a testament to his sustained excellence. In 2021, he narrowly missed out on the Cy Young Award, losing to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. This close miss adds a layer of determination for Wheeler, as he strives to finally clinch the title that has eluded him.
Endorsements and Support
Batting superstar Bryce Harper has left no doubt about where his loyalties lie. "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 stated emphatically. Harper's endorsement highlights Wheeler's sustained excellence over multiple seasons, reinforcing the argument for his Cy Young candidacy.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder also weighed in, underscoring Wheeler's role as the cornerstone of the Phillies' rotation. "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 echoes the sentiments of many in the baseball community who recognize Wheeler's invaluable contributions to his team.
Resilience and Durability
One of the defining characteristics of Wheeler's career has been his resilience. Despite the Phillies facing injuries and inconsistencies within their pitching rotation, Wheeler has been the steadying force. His durability and skill on the mound have allowed Philadelphia to maintain competitiveness in a highly challenging environment.
As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race narrows down to Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale, the decision will likely come down to the wire. Both pitchers have exhibited extraordinary talent and performance throughout the season. However, with Harper and Snyder vocally backing Wheeler, and his impressive statistics bolstering his case, Wheeler's chances appear strong.
Only time will tell if Wheeler can finally secure the Cy Young Award, but as the season progresses, one thing is clear: his performances and resilience have earned him a place among the elite pitchers of the National League.