Phillies’ Zack Wheeler Dominates Padres With 10 Ks: Is He the NL Cy Young Favorite?

By Oliver Wiener July 04, 2025 07:42

Zack Wheeler’s recent dominant outing against the San Diego Padres, striking out 10 batters, has reignited the debate: Is he the National League’s Cy Young favorite in 2025? The Philadelphia Phillies ace has been nothing short of spectacular this season, and his performance against the Padres is a compelling chapter in what could be his best year yet.

Wheeler’s mastery on the mound is reflected in his impressive 2.76 ERA over 88 innings pitched, alongside a 2.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underscoring his value to the Phillies’ rotation. His ability to consistently miss bats was on full display in this game, where he fanned 10 Padres hitters, showcasing the electric stuff that has made him one of the premier pitchers in baseball today.

This season, Wheeler has been a model of durability and excellence. He leads the National League in innings pitched (200) and quality starts (26), and boasts a career-best WHIP of 0.955, edging out other top contenders like Chris Sale in these key metrics. His command and strikeout prowess have made him a nightmare for opposing lineups and a linchpin for Philadelphia’s pitching staff.

Bryce Harper, Wheeler’s teammate and Phillies’ superstar, has been vocal about Wheeler’s Cy Young credentials. “He’s a Cy Young, man,” Harper said in September. “I don’t think anybody in baseball is better than him at this point. … I thought he got robbed of it three years ago, and I believe he earned it this year.” Such endorsements from peers highlight the respect Wheeler commands across the league.

Betting markets also reflect Wheeler’s rising stature. As of early July 2025, Wheeler holds +150 odds to win the NL Cy Young Award, making him the second favorite behind Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes, who is the current favorite at -167. Wheeler’s odds have improved significantly over the season, signaling growing confidence among analysts and bettors alike that he could finally capture the prestigious award that has eluded him despite multiple top finishes.

Wheeler’s journey to this point has been marked by near misses; he finished as a runner-up in the Cy Young voting in 2021 and again last year. However, his consistency and ability to elevate his game in crucial moments set him apart. His recent 10-strikeout performance against the Padres is a testament to his peak form and competitive fire as he pushes toward what could be the crowning achievement of his career.

While the competition remains fierce, with young phenom Paul Skenes and seasoned veterans like Logan Webb also in the mix, Wheeler’s blend of experience, durability, and elite pitching metrics make him a formidable contender. His three-year, $126 million extension with the Phillies, which began last season, looks increasingly like a savvy investment for the franchise, as he continues to deliver Cy Young-caliber performances.

Zack Wheeler’s dominance over the Padres is not just a single-game highlight but a reflection of his sustained excellence throughout the 2025 season. With stellar stats, glowing endorsements, and improving odds, Wheeler is shaping up as the National League’s Cy Young favorite. Whether he can finally clinch the award remains to be seen, but his case has never been stronger. As Bryce Harper succinctly put it, Wheeler “earned it this year,” and the baseball world is watching closely to see if this will be the year he takes home the NL’s top pitching honor.