The debate over the National League Cy Young Award is heating up as players and analysts weigh in on potential candidates. Harper, fresh off another impressive season, is vocally supporting his teammate Zack Wheeler for the coveted award. According to Harper, Wheeler's consistent performance this year makes him a prime contender.
Wheeler's Stellar Season
Wheeler's recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers was a testament to his skill and endurance on the mound. In that game, Wheeler pitched for seven innings, allowing only one run on four hits. He struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, further lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.56. With such performances, Wheeler is making a strong case for himself in the chase for the Cy Young Award.
Wheeler's statistics this season place him among the elite pitchers in the National League. He currently ranks second in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This highlights his value not just in the Phillies rotation but across the league.
The Competition
One of Wheeler's main competitors for the Cy Young Award is Chris Sale from the Atlanta Braves. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR compared to Wheeler, adding an intriguing layer to the competition. However, Wheeler surpasses Sale in innings pitched, having thrown 14 more frames this season.
It's worth mentioning that Wheeler is no stranger to being in the Cy Young conversation. This year marks his second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting. Back in 2021, Wheeler narrowly missed out on the award, losing to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. These past experiences only fuel the argument that Wheeler is overdue for recognition.
Expert Opinions
Sports analysts are also weighing in on the debate. Matt Snyder, a well-respected figure in the sports community, is in Wheeler's corner. "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 noted. Such praise underscores Wheeler's importance to the Phillies and his resilience throughout the season.
Harper is equally emphatic in his support for Wheeler. He passionately stated, "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's endorsement carries significant weight, given his own prowess on the field.
Wheeler's contributions have been crucial in a season marked by injuries and inconsistencies within the Phillies' rotation. His durability and skill have allowed the team to stay competitive in a tightly contested league. Wheeler has consistently proven his worth, stepping up when the team needed him most.
A Tight Race Ahead
The 2023 National League Cy Young Award race is shaping up to be a thrilling battle between Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale. Both pitchers have made compelling cases with their performances, and the final decision will come down to a nuanced evaluation of their respective contributions. For Wheeler, the journey has been one of persistence, talent, and unwavering support from teammates and analysts alike.
As the season draws to a close, fans and analysts will be keenly watching every pitch, every performance, and every outcome. Whether Wheeler finally receives the accolade he narrowly missed in 2021 remains to be seen. However, what is certain is that he has solidified his reputation as one of the premier pitchers in the league, a true ace whose impact on the game is undeniable.