Does Phillies ace Zack Wheeler deserve the NL Cy Young Award more than Braves star Chris Sale?
The NL Cy Young Award will be revealed in November, but the Philadelphia Phillies are already advocating for Zack Wheeler.
On Sunday, the team shared Wheeler’s accomplishments on their @PhilliesNotes social media account, making a strong case for why the 34-year-old should win his first Cy Young.
Wheeler’s performance speaks volumes: he pitched 200 innings, finishing with a 16-7 record, a 2.57 ERA, 224 strikeouts, and a 6.0 WAR. He led the National League in several key pitching stats, including WHIP (0.95), quality starts (26), and opponent batting average (.192).
A two-time All-Star, Wheeler demonstrated remarkable durability and consistency, going at least six innings in 26 of his 32 starts, often relieving pressure on the Phillies’ bullpen by completing nearly all his outings.
He also improved as the season progressed, playing a crucial role in helping Philadelphia secure its first division title since 2011. In August and September, he posted a 6-2 record with a 1.89 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, .186 opponent batting average, and an 85:12 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his final 11 starts.
Wheeler’s campaign highlighted impressive statistics, including his strong performance against NL East teams and after Phillies losses.
However, Wheeler faces tough competition from Chris Sale, who edged him out this year. The 35-year-old lefty excelled in his first season with the Atlanta Braves after being traded from the Boston Red Sox, leading the NL in wins (18), ERA (2.38), and strikeouts (225), achieving the pitching Triple Crown (with Tarik Skubal winning the AL version).
Sale also topped the majors in FIP (2.09) and strikeout rate (11.4 K/9), showcasing slightly greater dominance than Wheeler despite pitching 22.3 fewer innings.
Neither pitcher has won a Cy Young award before, but this year, Sale was marginally more deserving. Finishing as runner-up to such a talented pitcher is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.
