Cristopher Sánchez is emerging as a serious contender in the NL Cy Young Award race, potentially outpacing fellow Philadelphia Phillies teammate Zack Wheeler in the voting. Currently, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates leads the pack, boasting impressive statistics that include the best ERA, FIP, and WAR among National League starters.
While Wheeler has a formidable track record, having finished as a runner-up in the NL Cy Young voting twice and being a three-time All-Star, his performance has faced some challenges recently. He has a 4.58 ERA in his three starts following the All-Star Break and has dealt with shoulder discomfort, although tests have shown no significant issues. At 35 years old, Wheeler’s situation is worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
In contrast, Sánchez, who was notably left off the All-Star roster, has capitalized on this oversight by showcasing his skills in the second half of the season. He has delivered remarkable performances, including two games with eight or more innings pitched and a complete-game effort against the Boston Red Sox. Sánchez currently ranks highly in various pitching metrics, leading in WAR and placing in the top five for ERA, FIP, HR/9, quality starts, and innings pitched among NL starters.
This competitive landscape is exciting for fans, as the final portion of the season could see thrilling races for both the Cy Young Award and playoff spots. The potential of Sánchez rising above well-established names like Wheeler highlights not only his impressive capabilities but also the depth of talent within the National League pitching scene.