The National League Cy Young Award race is heating up, and opinions are streaming in about who deserves the prestigious honor. This year's frontrunners are Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves, two pitchers who have shown stellar performances throughout the season.
Zack Wheeler's Recent Showcase
Zack Wheeler has been making a strong case for the Cy Young Award, with continued impressive outings. In a recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Wheeler delivered a standout performance, pitching seven innings while giving up only one run on four hits. He struck out six of the 24 batters faced, further showcasing his dominance on the mound. With that game, Wheeler's ERA dipped to an impressive 2.56, underscoring his consistency and skill.
Wheeler’s stats don't stop there; he is second in the National League in innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins. His ability to stay in games longer than most pitchers is a testament to his resilience and durability. The ace has thrown 14 more frames than his main competitor, Chris Sale, this season.
The Competitive Edge: Chris Sale
Chris Sale has also made his mark this season, posting a lower ERA and higher WAR compared to Wheeler. The Atlanta Braves’ ace has shown that he, too, is a formidable contender for the Cy Young Award. Sale’s statistical achievements cannot be overlooked, and his performances have kept the Braves competitive in the race for the playoffs.
Close Calls and Advocacy
This isn't the first time Wheeler has been in the conversation for the Cy Young Award. In 2021, he narrowly missed out on winning the award, finishing just 10 points behind Corbin Burnes. This year, many believe it could be his turn to claim the accolade. Among his strongest advocates is his teammate, Bryce Harper.
"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.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder echoed Harper’s sentiments, emphasizing Wheeler’s crucial role in 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," Snyder noted.
Legacy and Resilience
Wheeler has indeed been the anchor for the Phillies, especially as they navigated through a season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances from other rotation members. His resilience and durability have not only kept him in the game longer than most but also positioned the Phillies as top contenders.
Finishing in the top five of Cy Young voting is becoming a familiar achievement for Wheeler. This year, he aims to surpass his previous best and finally grasp the award that many believe has long been due to him. His blend of skill, endurance, and tenacity on the mound makes a compelling case for Cy Young voters.
As the season draws to a close, the spotlight intensifies on both Wheeler and Sale. While both pitchers have had remarkable seasons, the narrative around Wheeler is one of redemption and long-awaited recognition. Whether he'll finally clinch the Cy Young Award or fall just short once again remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Zack Wheeler has earned his place among the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball.