Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler's impressive 5.0 WAR is the highlight of the Cy Young race

The Philadelphia Phillies are making waves in Major League Baseball with a record of 91-60. Their ace, Zack Wheeler, is a top contender for the National League Cy Young Award, boasting a remarkable 16-6 record and a 2.56 ERA in 186.2 innings pitched this season. Bryce Harper, a key player on the team, has been vocal in supporting Wheeler for the award, emphasizing his superiority over other candidates like Chris Sale. Impressively, Wheeler has achieved a 5.0 WAR for the third time in four seasons, cementing his position among elite pitchers.

In numbers

• Zack Wheeler's 2023 record: 16-6 with a 2.56 ERA.
• Wheeler's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) this season: 5.0, which is the third time in four seasons he has achieved this.

Yes but

While Wheeler's performance is commendable, there continues to be debate over whether he can overtake Chris Sale for the coveted Cy Young award, as Sale currently has a 6.4 WAR and a strong reputation.

Current status

• The Phillies lead the MLB standings with a strong overall record.
• Wheeler's performance continues to increase his visibility among the Cy Young candidates.

What's next

The race for the Cy Young Award remains highly competitive, but Wheeler's development suggests he could secure a top spot if he maintains his performance through the end of the season.

Conclusion

Zack Wheeler is arguably one of the best pitchers in baseball, and his consistent performance coupled with strong endorsements could be the deciding factor in his fate for the Cy Young Award, regardless of how the competition unfolds.