The anticipation is palpable for this year's National League Cy Young Award, with strong opinions swirling around two standout pitchers: Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. As the season approaches its climax, the debate intensifies, and fans and analysts alike are weighing in on who should take home the prestigious accolade.
A Stellar Season for Wheeler
Leading the charge for Wheeler's candidacy is his teammate, Bryce Harper, who is unequivocal in his endorsement. "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.
Wheeler's recent performance against the Milwaukee Brewers adds weight to Harper's words. Dominating the mound, Wheeler pitched seven innings, giving up only one run on four hits, and striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. His efforts have brought his ERA down to an impressive 2.56, placing him second in the National League in several key metrics, including innings pitched, ERA among qualified pitchers, Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and generic pitcher wins.
Wheeler's durability and consistency have been vital for the Phillies. Sports analyst Matt Snyder emphasized Wheeler's crucial role, noting, "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." This marks the second time Wheeler will finish in the top five of Cy Young voting, his previous near-miss in 2021 saw him finish just 10 points behind Corbin Burnes.
Sale’s Competitive Edge
While Wheeler has been exceptional, Chris Sale of the Braves offers a competitive and compelling case for the Cy Young Award. Sale's statistics are nothing short of remarkable; he boasts a lower ERA and higher WAR than Wheeler. However, it's worth noting that Wheeler has pitched 14 more innings than Sale, demonstrating his tremendous stamina and resilience over the long haul of the season.
This head-to-head comparison between Wheeler and Sale sharpens the focus on what voters might prioritize in their decision. Is it the sheer volume of work and resilience demonstrated by Wheeler, or the superior ERA and WAR figures posted by Sale?
The Broader Picture
Beyond the numbers, the narrative surrounding Wheeler's season adds a layer of emotional resonance. Harper’s vocal support is indicative of the team’s belief in Wheeler's extraordinary capabilities and the sense of injustice felt over past voting outcomes. The Phillies' ace has been the linchpin of their rotation, particularly in the face of adversity, which further cements his status as a leading contender.
As the final votes loom, Wheeler's combination of performance, consistency, and the invaluable role he has played for his team could very well tip the scales in his favor.
In the end, whether it’s Sale or Wheeler who ultimately secures the Cy Young Award, this season has delivered a thrilling race between two of the finest pitchers in the game. Both have shown exceptional skill, resilience, and leadership, making this one of the most exciting Cy Young races in recent memory.