The debate surrounding this year's National League Cy Young Award is reaching a fever pitch, with opinions flying from all corners of the baseball world. Leading the charge for Philadelphia Phillies' ace Zack Wheeler is his outspoken teammate, Bryce Harper.
Harper’s Strong Endorsement
Harper's advocacy for Wheeler’s Cy Young candidacy is unwavering. "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 emphatically stated.
Such ringing endorsement is supported by Wheeler’s stellar performance on the mound. His recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers showcased his typical brilliance, as he pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits and striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This performance has further cemented his reputation as one of the league's elite pitchers.
A Season of Excellence
Wheeler's resilience and skill this season have been undeniable. With an ERA that has dipped to 2.56, he finds himself ranked second in the National League in several crucial categories: innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His durability is equally noteworthy, having thrown 14 more frames than his closest competitor, Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves.
While Sale boasts a lower ERA and higher WAR, Wheeler’s innings pitched stand as a testament to his stamina and reliability. This year also marks Wheeler’s second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting, evidence of his sustained excellence over multiple seasons. It's a poetic continuation of his journey, particularly since 2021, when he narrowly missed the award by just 10 points to Corbin Burnes.
Support from Analysts
Sports analyst Matt Snyder also adds his voice in support of Wheeler’s candidacy, highlighting the pitcher's indispensable role in 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 remarked, signifying Wheeler’s role as the team's cornerstone.
The Final Stretch
Wheeler's contributions have not just been about numbers but about stabilizing his team through tough stretches. Praised for his resilience, durability, and skill, Wheeler has managed to keep the Phillies' rotation intact despite a season riddled with injuries and inconsistencies. For a team aiming high in the postseason, having a pitcher who consistently delivers is invaluable.
As the Cy Young Award race heats up, the battle essentially narrows down to Wheeler and Sale. Each pitcher brings a compelling case, blending performance metrics with subjective assessments of their impact on their respective teams. The dialogue surrounding Wheeler, fueled by strong endorsements from teammates and analysts alike, paints a picture of a pitcher who might just have earned his time in the spotlight.
The upcoming voting period will reveal if Harper’s belief that Wheeler was “robbed” in previous years finally gets rectified. For now, what remains clear is that Zack Wheeler's name will be at the forefront of any Cy Young conversation, a testament to his exceptional talent and contributions to the game.