The heated race for the National League Cy Young Award has fans and analysts abuzz, with opinions firmly divided between two formidable contenders: Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves.
One of Wheeler’s staunchest advocates is none other than his teammate, Bryce Harper. Harper doesn’t mince words when it comes to staking Wheeler's claim: "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."
A Roster Pillar for the Phillies
Wheeler has indeed been a cornerstone for the Phillies, particularly highlighted in his recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers. In that game, he delivered seven stellar innings, conceding just one run on four hits. His command was evident as he struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top pitchers.
With an ERA that recently dipped to 2.56, Wheeler stands second in the National League for innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His consistent performance and durability have not gone unnoticed in what has been a remarkable season.
Chris Sale: A Formidable Adversary
However, Wheeler faces tough competition in the form of the Braves’ Chris Sale. Sale has managed to eclipse Wheeler in certain statistical categories, boasting a lower ERA and a higher WAR. These metrics are crucial in making a compelling case for his candidacy for the Cy Young Award.
Nevertheless, Wheeler has a significant edge in innings pitched, having thrown 14 more frames than Sale. This speaks volumes about his resilience and durability, attributes that are as important as sheer statistical dominance in the eyes of many analysts and voters.
Wheeler’s Steady Climb and Resilience
Looking back, this isn’t Wheeler’s first brush with potential Cy Young glory. In 2021, he narrowly missed winning the award, finishing just 10 points behind Corbin Burnes. This year marks his second finish in the top five of the Cy Young voting, highlighting his continued excellence and drive.
Matt Snyder, a respected sports analyst, had high praise for Wheeler’s contributions: "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." Wheeler’s role as the Phillies' ace has been pivotal, especially considering the injuries and erratic performances that plagued the team throughout the season.
Enduring Strength on the Mound
Wheeler is often lauded for his resilience, durability, and exceptional skill on the mound. These qualities make him not only a reliable starter but also a strategic asset for his team. His ability to pitch deep into games has been instrumental in maintaining the Phillies' rotation and overall competitive edge.
The 2023 National League Cy Young Award race has thus become a fascinating narrative of numbers, endurance, and exceptional talent. Whether it’s Wheeler’s superior innings pitched or Sale’s slightly better ERA and WAR, the decision will ultimately come down to the voters' views on what metrics and intangibles matter most in crowning the league’s best pitcher.
As the baseball community continues to debate and speculate, one thing is clear: Both Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale have delivered performances worthy of recognition and admiration. The final verdict will not only reflect their statistics but also the nuanced contributions each has made to their respective teams during the season.