2026 National League Comeback Player of the Year: Zack Wheeler

On October 28th, the MLBPA announced that Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler was voted the National League Comeback Player of the Year by his peers as part of their annual Player’s Choice Awards. This award is awarded to a player who came back from injury or some other ailment the year prior. He received the honor after coming back to the mound after recovering from venous thoracic outlet syndrome which required surgery to remove a rib in August 2025 after doctors discovered a blood clot near his right shoulder. He made his 2026 debut on April 25th and he didn’t miss a beat. He ended the season with a 14-5 record with a 3.00 ERA and 193 strikeouts across 162 innings in 28 starts. For someone who underwent this uncommon surgery that could have potentially threatened his career in the Major Leagues and his life at the same time and then coming back from that and being the player he once was is something to be very proud of.  When his peers were asked why they voted for him, there was one common theme: they were all impressed by how quick he was able to bounce back and come back the next season like it never happened. Zack can win another award this offseason because he is still up to win MLB’s separate National League Player of the Year award, voted by all 30 MLB club beat reporters which will be announced November 11th.                    

Photo Creds: Caean Couto via The Balls Outta Here