Harper Advocates for Wheeler in Cy Young Award Debate
The race for the National League Cy Young Award is heating up as opinions flood in from all corners of the baseball world. Philadelphia Phillies' right fielder Bryce Harper is vocally championing his teammate, Zack Wheeler, for the prestigious honor.
Wheeler, whose recent performance against the Milwaukee Brewers was stellar, pitched seven innings, surrendering just one run on four hits. The right-hander also struck out six of the 24 batters he faced, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
With his ERA now at an impressive 2.56, Wheeler has solidified his position among the league's elite pitchers. He currently stands second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His contributions extend beyond personal statistics, as he has been a cornerstone in maintaining the Phillies' rotation amid injuries and inconsistencies.
Harper's endorsement of his teammate is unequivocal. "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 stated emphatically.
The Competitor: Chris Sale
However, Wheeler's path to the Cy Young Award is not without competition. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves is another strong contender. Sale, boasting a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler, presents a formidable challenge. Despite this, Wheeler has thrown 14 more innings than Sale, underscoring his durability and resilience over the course of the season.
A Second Top-Five Finish
This year marks the second time Wheeler has finished in the top five of Cy Young voting. In 2021, Wheeler came agonizingly close to clinching the award, missing out to Corbin Burnes by a mere 10 points. The near-miss still lingers, fueling his motivation and performance this season.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder also supports Wheeler's claim to the Cy Young Award. "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 observed, highlighting Wheeler's integral role in the Phillies' success.
The Pillar of Phillies' Rotation
Wheeler's impact goes beyond mere numbers; his presence on the mound provides a sense of stability and reliability for the Phillies. Known for his resilience, durability, and skill, Wheeler has consistently delivered high-quality performances, proving his worth as the team's ace. His ability to maintain top form throughout the season, despite the challenges faced by the team's rotation, underscores his candidacy for the Cy Young Award.
As the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race narrows down to Zack Wheeler and Chris Sale, the debate among fans and analysts intensifies. Wheeler's impressive stats, coupled with his vital contributions to the Phillies, make a compelling case. While Sale's lower ERA and higher WAR present stiff competition, Wheeler's durability and steadfast presence on the mound give him a notable edge.
The coming weeks will determine who emerges victorious in this closely contested race. For now, Harper and Snyder's endorsements ring clearly, shining a spotlight on Wheeler as a deserving candidate for one of baseball's most esteemed awards.