As the race for the 2023 National League Cy Young Award heats up, opinions are flooding in from across the baseball world. Among those voicing strong support is Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper, who has publicly endorsed his teammate, Zack Wheeler, for the prestigious award. Harper, a respected voice in the game, didn't mince words when he 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."
Wheeler's recent standout performance against the Milwaukee Brewers has only strengthened his case. In a critical game, Wheeler showcased his resilience and skill by pitching seven strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. This stellar outing dropped his ERA to an impressive 2.56, cementing his status as one of the top pitchers in the league.
Wheeler's stats this season are eye-catching. He ranks second in the National League in several key categories, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. This consistency and durability have not gone unnoticed. In fact, sports analyst Matt Snyder highlighted Wheeler's vital role for the Phillies. "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. Wheeler's resilience, durability, and skill on the mound have kept the Phillies' rotation competitive amidst various challenges.
However, the competition for the Cy Young Award remains fierce, with Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves positioned as one of Wheeler's primary rivals. Sale boasts a lower ERA and a higher WAR than Wheeler, statistics that cannot be overlooked by the voters. Yet, Wheeler has the edge in terms of innings pitched, having thrown 14 more frames than Sale. This extra workload is a testament to Wheeler's endurance and ability to consistently deliver for his team.
Wheeler's journey to potential Cy Young glory isn't without its close calls. This year marks his second finish in the top five of Cy Young voting. In 2021, Wheeler narrowly missed winning the award, falling short to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. This experience has perhaps fueled his performance this season, adding a layer of determination and focus to his game.
The narrative surrounding Wheeler is one of perseverance and excellence. As the ace of the Phillies, he has been instrumental in maintaining the team's rotation despite injuries and inconsistencies. His contributions extend beyond the numbers, embodying the qualities of leadership and reliability that are often heralded in marquee players. Harper's emphatic endorsement underscores the high regard in which Wheeler is held within his team and the broader baseball community.
As the 2023 season draws to a close, the debate over who deserves the Cy Young Award will undoubtedly intensify. In a highly competitive field, Zack Wheeler's combination of performance, endurance, and resilience makes a compelling case. Whether he will ultimately clinch the award remains to be seen, but there's no denying that Wheeler's season has been nothing short of extraordinary.