Wheeler vs. Sale: The Battle for the 2023 National League Cy Young Award
As the MLB season approaches its climax, the debate over who deserves the 2023 National League Cy Young Award is heating up. Opinions are pouring in from all corners, with two names rising prominently to the forefront: Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves.
Wheeler's Stellar Season
Bryce Harper has been one of the loudest voices championing his teammate Zack Wheeler for the prestigious award. "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 outing against the Milwaukee Brewers showcased why he is a top contender. Over seven innings, he allowed only one run on four hits, striking out six of the 24 batters he faced. That performance has helped him lower his ERA to a remarkable 2.56, a figure that places him among the elite pitchers in the National League.
Beyond ERA, Wheeler's season has been defined by his consistency and durability. He is second in the league in innings pitched, a testament to his resilience. Moreover, his presence on the mound has been a stabilizing force for the Phillies, especially as they've navigated injuries and inconsistencies within the rotation. Sports analyst Matt Snyder summed it up well: "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."
The Case for Chris Sale
However, Wheeler's path to the Cy Young Award is not clear-cut, as he faces stiff competition from Chris Sale. Sale, also vying for the honor, has been nothing short of exceptional this season. Not only does he boast a lower ERA than Wheeler, but he also has a higher Wins Above Replacement (WAR), an advanced metric that evaluates a player's overall contributions to his team's success.
Despite Wheeler surpassing Sale in innings pitched by a margin of 14 frames, Sale's efficiency and performance per inning have been noteworthy. This head-to-head competition between two elite pitchers from top-performing teams adds an exciting layer to the Cy Young race.
A Look Back
For Wheeler, this year marks his second finish in the top five of the Cy Young voting, a continuation of his impressive career trajectory. Back in 2021, he narrowly missed out on the award, finishing just 10 points behind Corbin Burnes. This year's contention is an opportunity for redemption, as his supporters firmly believe he was "robbed" in the past.
The narrative around Wheeler is not just about statistics. It's about his resilience and tenacity. As the ace of the Phillies, his ability to shoulder the burden for the team, particularly when dealing with adversity, speaks volumes about his character and skill. Known for his durability and mental toughness, Wheeler has consistently risen to the occasion, making a compelling case for why he deserves to be recognized as the best pitcher in the National League.
The Final Stretch
With the season winding down, all eyes are on both Wheeler and Sale. The debate over who should receive the Cy Young Award encompasses more than just numbers; it involves intangibles, team impact, and moments of brilliance under pressure. As the Phillies and Braves battle for playoff positions, their aces will continue to be pivotal, potentially providing the final evidence voters need to cast their ballots.
In the end, the 2023 National League Cy Young Award race exemplifies what makes baseball captivating. It's about the clash of titans, the narratives of perseverance, and the quest for excellence. Whether it's Wheeler's relentless pursuit of long-overdue recognition or Sale's elite performance, fans and analysts alike are in for a thrilling conclusion to the season.