Zack Wheeler has been criminally undersupported in the Cy Young conversation for two consecutive seasons. This is the column that fixes that.
When you look at ERA, Wheeler sits comfortably in the top tier. When you look at FIP, he’s ahead of names that have gotten more press. When you look at K/9, BB/9, and the specific rate at which he generates weak contact on 0-2 pitches, you’re looking at one of the three most dominant starting pitchers in baseball.
The argument against Wheeler historically has been availability — a legitimate concern given his 2021 Tommy John history. But over the last two full seasons, he’s been as durable as anyone on that shortlist. The case is there. Someone just needs to make it.
I’ll make it.
