Harper Rallies for Wheeler in Cy Young Race
As the National League Cy Young Award discussions heat up, opinions are flourishing from all corners of the baseball community. Among the most vocal supporters is Philadelphia Phillies’ star Bryce Harper, who is fervently advocating for his teammate Zack Wheeler to seize the prestigious accolade this year.
Wheeler showcased his consistent prowess on the mound recently against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he delivered a commanding performance. Over seven innings, he conceded just one run on four hits, striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This stellar showing further lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.56.
The statistics paint a compelling picture for Wheeler's candidacy. He ranks second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. Despite stiff competition, notably from Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale, Wheeler’s durability and consistency have placed him squarely in the conversation.
Sale, another frontrunner for the Cy Young, boasts a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler but has pitched 14 fewer innings. This facet of Wheeler’s game—his resilience and stamina—is highly regarded, especially in a season where he has served as the cornerstone of the Phillies’ rotation.
“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 passionately stated, underscoring his belief in Wheeler’s qualifications for the award.
Wheeler's journey to this point has been marked by persistence and excellence. This season marks the second time he has finished in the top five in Cy Young voting. Back in 2021, Wheeler narrowly missed the award, losing to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. This year, he seems poised to convert his tenure of exemplary performances into a winning campaign.
Beyond the raw numbers, sports analyst Matt Snyder highlights Wheeler’s indispensable role within the Phillies organization. “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, attesting to Wheeler’s pivotal contributions to the team’s success.
Wheeler's reputation extends beyond just durability; his technique and skill on the mound have been exceptional. His command over the game, combined with an ability to deliver under pressure, solidifies his standing as the leading pitcher in a competitive field.
The 2023 National League Cy Young Award race is taking shape as a duel between Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler. Both pitchers have made significant cases for their eligibility, with Sale’s superior ERA and WAR contrasting with Wheeler’s higher innings pitched and critical impact on his team.
As the season edges closer to its conclusion, the debate over who deserves the Cy Young intensifies. Bryce Harper and Matt Snyder’s votes of confidence reveal a shared sentiment in the sports community: Zack Wheeler, with his indomitable spirit and exceptional performance, has what it takes to claim the Cy Young Award this year.