Zack Wheeler's dominant 2026 campaign with the Phillies has driven overwhelming trader consensus for NL Comeback Player of the Year. The right-hander posted a 14-5 record, 3.00 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 193 strikeouts across 162 innings in 28 starts, delivering strong run prevention and workload after prior thoracic outlet syndrome concerns limited his prior output. This performance aligns with his status as a Players Choice Awards finalist alongside Sandy Alcántara and Martín Pérez. Other candidates such as Michael Harris II trail significantly, reflecting limited comparable rebounds in the National League. Late adjustments remain possible if the official MLB award process highlights different injury recoveries or statistical contexts, though Wheeler's volume and effectiveness create substantial barriers to shifts.