Why Zack Wheeler is Trending
Zack Wheeler, the talented right-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has been making headlines in recent weeks, and for good reason. With a stellar 2023 season under his belt, he has firmly placed himself in the conversation for the prestigious National League (NL) Cy Young Award. His exceptional performances, bolstered by an impressive Wins Above Replacement (WAR) stat, have caught the attention of fans, analysts, and even his teammates. As a result, Wheeler has become a trending topic in the baseball world, with many advocating for his recognition among the best in the league. The buzz surrounding Wheeler is reflected in his growing online traffic, with more than 500 searches and discussions popping up daily.
Who is Zack Wheeler?
For those unfamiliar with Wheeler, he is a seasoned Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. Drafted sixth overall in the 2009 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants, Wheeler has developed into one of the premier pitchers in the league. Known for his electric fastball and sharp breaking balls, Wheeler has consistently delivered solid performances over the years, first with the New York Mets and now with the Phillies.
However, it’s his recent dominance on the mound that has vaulted him into the national spotlight. His 2023 season, in particular, has been outstanding, and many believe he should be a top contender for the Cy Young Award, which is given annually to the best pitchers in MLB.
Wheeler’s 5.0 WAR and the Cy Young Race
One of the key reasons Wheeler is garnering so much attention is his impressive 5.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) this season. WAR is a comprehensive statistic that quantifies a player's overall contribution to their team, and Wheeler's 5.0 WAR stands as a testament to his value to the Phillies. According to a recent article from BVM Sports, Wheeler’s WAR highlights his importance not only to his team but also to the greater Cy Young conversation. His ability to consistently dominate opposing hitters while eating up innings has made him one of the most reliable arms in the league.
The Cy Young race is always competitive, and Wheeler is up against some stiff competition. However, his combination of strikeouts, control, and durability have made him a legitimate contender. His 5.0 WAR is one of the highest among NL pitchers, which only strengthens his case for the award.
A Case for Redemption: Wheeler’s 2021 Snub
While Wheeler’s 2023 performance has been impressive, it’s worth noting that this is not the first time he’s been in the running for the Cy Young Award. Back in 2021, Zack Wheeler had another standout season, but many felt he was unfairly overlooked in favor of other candidates. According to a report on Sportskeeda, former MLB General Manager Jim Bowden recently expressed his frustration over Wheeler losing out on the Cy Young in 2021. Bowden, along with Wheeler’s teammate Bryce Harper, argued that Wheeler’s 2021 numbers were superior to Chris Sale, who was often highlighted as a favorite.
In 2021, Wheeler led the National League in innings pitched and strikeouts, making a strong case for himself. However, despite these impressive statistics, he didn’t take home the award. Many Phillies fans and analysts believe that Wheeler was "scr*wed" out of the Cy Young that year, a sentiment that has only fueled support for his 2023 campaign.
Bryce Harper’s Support for Wheeler
Wheeler has found a strong advocate in none other than his teammate and Phillies star Bryce Harper. Harper, who is no stranger to awards himself, has publicly voiced his support for Wheeler’s Cy Young candidacy. In a recent interview featured on RealGM, Harper stated that Wheeler “deserves” the NL Cy Young Award for his contributions this season.
Harper’s endorsement carries weight, as he is one of the most respected players in the game today. He pointed out Wheeler’s consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, highlighting the pitcher’s value to the team. With such strong backing from a fellow superstar, Wheeler’s Cy Young case is gaining even more momentum as the season comes to a close.
Conclusion
Zack Wheeler has been nothing short of phenomenal in 2023, and his performances on the mound have placed him firmly in the conversation for the NL Cy Young Award. His 5.0 WAR, along with the lingering frustration over his 2021 snub, has led to widespread support from fans, analysts, and teammates alike. With Bryce Harper and former GMs advocating for him, Wheeler’s Cy Young candidacy is trending for all the right reasons.
As the season winds down, Wheeler’s name will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding the best pitchers in baseball. Whether or not he takes home the Cy Young Award, one thing is clear: Zack Wheeler has solidified himself as one of the elite pitchers in MLB.