Wheeler Takes Players Choice NL Comeback Award

Zack Wheeler recorded 193 strikeouts this season, a performance that earned him the National League Comeback Player honor in the Players Choice Awards. The Major League Baseball Players Association announced the winner on Wednesday.

Wheeler defeated Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins and Martín Pérez of the Atlanta Braves for the distinction. He is the highest-paid pitcher in the sport and has one year remaining on a three-year, $126 million contract extension.

The right-handed pitcher, who turns 37 next year, returned to the mound after a mid-August 2025 diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. The condition involves a compressed vein between the collarbone and rib cage, a ailment that has ended the careers of several pitchers.

Wheeler underwent two procedures to treat the issue. The first removed a blood clot, while the second involved removing a rib to relieve pressure on the vein. His recovery required physical therapy and a strict diet, which he noted was difficult given his preference for fast food.

He left spring training at approximately 195 pounds, about 10 pounds lighter than his usual weight. During a minor-league assignment, observers worried his fastball velocity had diminished. That concern was dispelled on April 25, when he threw a 95 mph pitch in his first start against the Atlanta Braves.

Wheeler completed 28 starts this season with a 14-5 record and a 3.00 earned run average over 162 innings. He maintained a 2.13 ERA through his first 15 appearances but was not selected for the All-Star team because he pitched in the final game before the break.

After a six-start slump in August, Wheeler finished the year with a 4-0 record and a 1.67 ERA in his final six outings. In the season finale, he held the Tampa Bay Rays to one run over six innings, helping the Phillies secure the final National League wild card spot.

The pitcher said he expected to return to his previous level of performance after surgery. “To be expected,” he said in September. “When you have surgery, or anything along those lines, you just have to stay positive and keep a strong mindset, you know?”

Wheeler indicated in September that 2027 might be his final season, though he remains undecided on his future. “Honestly, I mean, it’s just still up in the air,” he said. “I think a lot of things have to kind of play out for me just to be able to see.”

Wheeler is also a candidate for MLB’s Comeback of the Year award. That honor will be announced on November 11 at the league’s annual awards show in Las Vegas, with voting conducted by the 30 MLB.com club beat reporters.