Could this be the year that Zack Wheeler finally wins his first Cy Young Award? Wheeler, one of the top pitchers of his generation, is having an impressive season. As he prepares for a game against his former team, the Mets, Wheeler holds a 2.76 ERA over 88 innings and has accumulated 2.5 Wins Above Replacement according to FanGraphs.
Wheeler has been a top-10 Cy Young Award finisher in three of the last four years and was runner-up in 2021 and 2024. At age 35, he remains competitive against talents like Paul Skenes from the Pirates and Logan Webb from the Giants. With plans to retire after his current contract ends in 2027, this season could be crucial for Wheeler’s pursuit of the award.
This year, Wheeler has increased his strikeout numbers significantly. He struck out 436 batters between 2023-24, nearly matching Dylan Cease’s MLB-leading total during that period. This season alone, Wheeler has achieved 110 strikeouts with a strikeout rate of 32.5%, ranking third among qualified starters.
Wheeler’s pitching stats have improved notably from previous seasons:
Strikeout rate: From 27.9% (2021-24) to 32.5% (2025)
Whiff rate: From 27.1% to 29.5%
In-zone contact rate: From 79.7% to 76.6%
Putaway rate: From 22.4% to 24.6%
Wheeler uses six different pitches effectively, including three fastballs that account for most of his mix (71%). His curveball now generates more break and drop than before.
Command is another area where Wheeler excels; he maintains low walk rates while increasing zone presence:
Zone rate: From 50.2% (2021-24) to 52.7% (2025)
Edge rate: From 44% to 46.1%
His edge rate is comparable only with Skenes among pitchers known for both excellent stuff and command.
Wheeler adjusts his approach based on hitters’ handedness; against right-handed hitters, he focuses on three pitches primarily but expands his arsenal against lefties.
With a history of durability and postseason success (2.18 ERA in playoff innings), Wheeler is demonstrating what might be the best year of his career—potentially leading him toward winning his first Cy Young Award.
