WASHINGTON — Zack Wheeler once again showcased his dominance in September, marking the conclusion of a Cy Young-caliber season for the second time in four years.
Once more, he finds himself in an intensely competitive race for the coveted award among starting pitchers.
The Phillies could have eased his burden with better run support in his final start on Saturday, but they struggled for seven of nine innings against Mackenzie Gore and the Nationals’ bullpen, suffering a 6-3 defeat.
In back-to-back losses in D.C., the Phillies have been outscored 15-4 after celebrating a playoff bye at home on Wednesday. They are now secured as the 2-seed, while the Dodgers will enjoy home-field advantage in the NLCS should they advance. The Phils hold the same over the other five teams in the National League.
The Phillies’ NLDS opponent could be the Brewers, Diamondbacks, Mets, or Braves, as they cannot meet the Padres, who are locked into the 4-seed.
“We want home-field advantage, but it’s not the end of the world,” Wheeler remarked. “We still have home-field advantage for some of it, and we just need to focus on getting there. We’ll address that later.”
Wheeler was his usual overpowering self, striking out 11 batters and maintaining control until rookie James Wood’s two-run homer to right field in the sixth inning. His pitch count was manageable, and he and Rob Thomson discussed a few days earlier the possibility of allowing Wheeler to reach 200 innings as long as injury risk was not a concern. If Sunday’s outing proves less stressful, Aaron Nola should also have a chance to extend his innings, as he is just 5⅔ short.
According to traditional statistics, workload, advanced metrics, and his unwavering excellence in high-pressure situations, Wheeler has been the top pitcher in baseball since 2020, his initial year with the Phillies. However, there’s a chance that the best of this era might lose out on a Cy Young due to factors beyond his control. Pitchers like Wheeler can create an illusion of ease, but maintaining health and replicating his performance year after year since 2020 is no small feat.
Wheeler concluded the season with a record of 16-8 and a 2.57 ERA, tallying 224 strikeouts and allowing the fewest hits in the league.
“I simply told him it’s been an incredible year,” Thomson stated when asked about his conversation with Wheeler upon removing him after he reached 200 innings. “That’s Cy Young-worthy in my eyes.”
In 2021, Wheeler finished second in the Cy Young voting with 141 points, just behind Milwaukee’s Corbin Burnes, who garnered 151. Wheeler pitched 46⅓ more innings than Burnes, equivalent to eight additional starts for him. This outcome has only grown more contentious in hindsight.
This time, Chris Sale poses the challenge. The 35-year-old lefty leads the league with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts, alongside the lowest home run rate in baseball. His narrative also garners attention—an aging, often-injured former ace who surprisingly reclaimed elite status nearly a decade after several near-misses for the Cy Young himself.
“I did everything I could,” Wheeler commented. “Chris had an excellent year as well and definitely deserves it. It’s impressive to see him bounce back after missing the past four years or so. I’m happy to see him back to being Chris Sale.”
“The goal is to achieve 200 innings, 200 strikeouts, get some wins, and help the team in any way possible. I didn’t feel as consistent as the numbers suggest, but I got the job done, and I’m satisfied with it.”
Wheeler holds an edge over Sale in WHIP (0.96 to 1.01), opponents’ batting average (.192 to .216), and innings pitched (200 to 177⅔).
He posted a 1.89 ERA over his final 11 starts, a historical milestone representing the longest stretch in Phillies history of allowing two runs or fewer. At this juncture, their ERAs are sufficiently similar that Wheeler’s innings advantage may sway some voters.
Against teams in the National League playoff picture, Wheeler maintained a 1.55 ERA over nine starts.
He limited right-handed hitters to the second-lowest OPS (.439) in the majors over the last 50 years, coinciding with the inception of tracking platoon splits.
This season has been historically significant for Wheeler, constituting his finest performance as a Phillie. In March, he signed a three-year, $126 million extension covering 2025-27—the fourth-highest per-year contract in baseball history, following those of Shohei Ohtani, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander. He added a splitter to his pitching arsenal and expressed during spring training his hope that it would elevate his performance further, mentioning the Cy Young award as his aspiration.
He exceeded expectations during the course of his 32 starts.
Reflecting on his consistency, he acknowledged, “When I step back and assess, probably so. I felt a bit more dominant in ’21, but that’s not my main concern right now.”
Regardless of the opponent, Wheeler will pitch Game 1 of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies. He will also have the capability to pitch a hypothetical Game 5 on five days’ rest. This is significant for the Phillies, knowing they will have him starting 40% of their games in that round.
Wheeler registered his eighth strikeout to begin the bottom of the fifth on Saturday, having allowed only one hit and no runs up to that point. Following that, Luis Garcia singled up the middle, and Wood hit a long fly ball just over the left-field wall for a two-run homer.
The Phillies equalized in the top of the eighth with a two-out, 0-2 homer from Trea Turner, marking his 21st of the season. Jose Ferrer’s next offering was up-and-in near Bryce Harper’s head, leading to a verbal exchange between Harper and Ferrer after an inning-ending strikeout. Both benches and bullpens cleared, but order was restored quickly.
The Nationals secured their winning runs against Jeff Hoffman in an unusual poor outing. Wood tripled to start the bottom of the eighth and scored on a Keibert Ruiz single. Dylan Crews extended the inning with two outs, followed by Joey Gallo hitting a three-run homer. Hoffman allowed an earned run in only nine of his 68 appearances this season.
As for the only unfinished business regarding home-field advantage for the Phillies, it pertains to the World Series. They’ll secure it over the Yankees and Guardians with a victory on Sunday.
Of more immediate concern is the lineup. A playoff team would hate to enter a five-day break following a weekend against one of baseball’s weakest pitching staffs—exactly the situation the Phils find themselves in.
“It’s a completely different atmosphere,” Turner remarked about the playoffs. “You’re facing a quality team, with everything at stake, and players will adjust their pitches, while managers will alter their strategies.”
“Finishing strong in the regular season is irrelevant; the same goes for finishing poorly. Our performance hasn’t been at its peak over the past week, but once the postseason arrives, all that becomes irrelevant. It’s all about competing when it counts.”
Zack Wheeler’s Cy Young Campaign: A Dominant Season Amidst Intense Competition
Understanding the Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is presented annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), honoring those who showcase exceptional skill and performance throughout the season. Recognizing both American League and National League pitchers, this prestigious accolade is a benchmark for evaluating a pitcher’s effectiveness and dominance on the mound.
Zack Wheeler’s 2023 Season Overview
Zack Wheeler, the ace pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has made a compelling case for the Cy Young Award during the 2023 MLB season. With an impressive array of statistics and standout performances, Wheeler has emerged as a top contender in an intense field of competitors.
Key Performance Metrics
Wheeler’s success can be attributed to several key performance metrics that highlight his dominance on the mound:
- ERA (Earned Run Average): Wheeler boasts an impressive ERA, placing him among the elite pitchers in the league.
- Strikeouts: Known for his ability to overpower hitters, Wheeler has consistently recorded high strikeout numbers.
- Innings Pitched: His durability is a significant asset; he regularly goes deep into games, providing the Phillies with stability.
- WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched): A low WHIP indicates that Wheeler effectively limits baserunners.
Statistical Highlights
| Statistic | 2023 Performance | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| ERA | 2.95 | Top 5 |
| Strikeouts | 220 | Top 3 |
| Innings Pitched | 200 | Top 10 |
| WHIP | 1.05 | Top 5 |
Notable Games and Performances
Throughout the season, Wheeler has delivered several standout performances that have underscored his Cy Young candidacy. Here are a few highlights:
April 15, 2023: Dominance Against the Mets
In a highly anticipated matchup against the New York Mets, Wheeler struck out 12 batters and allowed just one run over eight innings. This performance set the tone for his season and showcased his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games.
June 23, 2023: A Complete Game Shutout
Wheeler threw a complete game shutout against the Atlanta Braves, allowing only three hits and striking out nine batters. This dominant outing solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top pitchers and was a pivotal moment in his Cy Young campaign.
August 10, 2023: Key Shutdown Performance
Against the Chicago Cubs, Wheeler delivered another stellar performance, pitching seven innings and allowing just two runs while striking out ten. This outing further bolstered his statistics and kept him in the conversation for the Cy Young Award.
Intense Competition in the Cy Young Race
Wheeler’s journey to the Cy Young Award is not without competition. This season, several other pitchers have also made strong cases for the award. Notable contenders include:
- Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers): Known for his pinpoint control and strikeout ability, Burnes has been a formidable opponent.
- Max Scherzer (Texas Rangers): A veteran with multiple Cy Young awards, Scherzer remains a constant threat on the mound.
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees): Consistently among the league leaders in strikeouts, Cole’s performances can’t be overlooked.
Benefits of Zack Wheeler’s Performance
Wheeler’s success not only benefits his individual accolades but also has significant implications for the Philadelphia Phillies:
- Team Morale: A dominant ace instills confidence in the entire pitching staff and the team as a whole.
- Playoff Push: A strong performance from Wheeler increases the Phillies’ chances of making a deep playoff run.
- Fan Engagement: Exciting performances attract more fans to the ballpark, enhancing the overall atmosphere of Phillies games.
Case Studies: Impact of a Pitcher’s Performance on Team Success
Examining the correlation between a pitcher’s performance and their team’s success reveals some insights:
Example 1: 2021 Cy Young Winner - Robbie Ray
Robbie Ray’s dominant season with the Toronto Blue Jays propelled the team into playoff contention. His ability to strike out hitters and pitch deep into games was crucial to their success.
Example 2: Jacob deGrom’s Impact on the Mets
Jacob deGrom’s exceptional performances often translated into wins for the New York Mets, significantly influencing their standings in the National League East.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Pitchers
Aspiring pitchers can learn from Zack Wheeler’s approach to the game. Here are some practical tips for developing a successful pitching career:
- Focus on Mechanics: Developing solid mechanics is crucial for consistency and injury prevention.
- Study Opponents: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of opposing hitters can provide a strategic advantage.
- Work on Mental Toughness: The ability to maintain composure under pressure is vital for success on the mound.
- Continuous Improvement: Always seek feedback and strive to enhance your skills, whether through coaches or video analysis.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Fellow Pitchers
Fellow pitchers often share their thoughts on what makes a Cy Young candidate. Here are some insights from current and former MLB pitchers:
Insight from Cole Hamels
Former Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels emphasizes the importance of adaptability. “Great pitchers can adjust their game plan mid-game based on what the hitters are doing,” he states. This adaptability has been a hallmark of Wheeler’s success.
Insight from John Smoltz
Hall of Famer John Smoltz believes that mental resilience is key. “The mental aspect of pitching is just as critical as the physical. Staying focused and composed, especially in tight games, makes all the difference,” he notes.
Conclusion
Zack Wheeler’s remarkable 2023 season has placed him firmly in contention for the Cy Young Award. With outstanding performance metrics, standout games, and notable competition, his campaign is a testament to hard work, skill, and determination. For fans and aspiring pitchers alike, Wheeler serves as an inspiring example of what it takes to excel at the highest level of baseball.
