In the Heart of the Cy Young Race: Wheeler vs. Sale
The debate over who should clinch the National League Cy Young Award is heating up, with opinions flooding in from all corners of the baseball community. At the center of this discussion stands Philadelphia Phillies' ace, Zack Wheeler, who has firmly established himself as a leading contender for the prestigious honor.
Bryce Harper, the Phillies' star outfielder, is among Wheeler's most vocal supporters. Harper is unequivocal in his endorsement of his teammate: "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."
Wheeler's recent performance against the Milwaukee Brewers showcased his Cy Young credentials. Over seven innings, he conceded just one run on four hits while striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This stellar outing has further lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.56.
Ranked second in the National League in several key metrics, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins, Wheeler has been nothing short of dominant. His durability has also been a hallmark of his season, throwing 14 more frames than his main competitor, the Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale.
Sale, however, presents a formidable challenge. With a lower ERA and a higher WAR, he has his own compelling case for the award. Yet, Wheeler's consistency and resilience have won him many admirers.
Among them is sports analyst Matt Snyder, who commends Wheeler for being 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," notes Snyder, acknowledging Wheeler's critical role and unwavering performance.
This year marks Wheeler's second time finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting, a testament to his sustained excellence. In 2021, he came agonizingly close, missing out on the award to Corbin Burnes by a mere ten points.
Beyond his numbers, Wheeler is praised for his resilience, durability, and skill. He has repeatedly proven to be a stabilizing force for the Phillies, particularly during stretches of injuries and inconsistent performances within the team's pitching staff. His capacity to hold the rotation together under such circumstances solidifies his reputation as the team's ace.
As the Cy Young race comes down to the wire, it is Wheeler's comprehensive body of work, combined with endorsements from key figures like Harper and Snyder, that bolsters his bid for the award. Whether or not he ultimately secures the Cy Young this season, Wheeler's contributions to the game and to his team are undeniable and worthy of recognition.
In a season as competitive as this, distinguishing oneself as the best is no small feat. Yet, through a combination of talent, perseverance, and critical performances, Zack Wheeler has made his case loud and clear. As the final votes are cast, all eyes will be on whether Wheeler will finally garner the Cy Young trophy that many believe he rightfully deserves.