Wheeler and Alvarez Named Comeback Players of the Year
Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies and Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros were awarded the National League and American League Comeback Player of the Year honors, respectively, with the announcement made in Las Vegas.

Raleigh Durham, NC, November 11, 2026 —
Zack Wheeler, a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, and Yordan Alvarez, an outfielder for the Houston Astros, have been recognized with the National League (NL) and American League (AL) Comeback Player of the Year awards, respectively. The announcements were made in Las Vegas.
These prestigious awards celebrate players who have demonstrated resilience and success after facing significant setbacks during their careers, whether due to injury or other challenges. Both Wheeler and Alvarez have overcome adversity to perform at a high level, earning them this distinction.
Wheeler, who plays in the National League, has been a pivotal member of the Phillies’ pitching staff. His journey to this award highlights his dedication and ability to return to top form. The specifics of the challenges he overcame were not detailed in the announcement summary.
Similarly, Alvarez, representing the American League, has been a key offensive contributor for the Houston Astros. His performance reflects a strong comeback, though the exact nature of his past struggles was not provided.
The selection process for the Comeback Player of the Year awards typically considers a player’s performance in the current season in comparison to their previous seasons, particularly following periods of absence or diminished performance. The formal announcement event took place in Las Vegas, marking a notable occasion for both players and their respective teams.
Further details regarding the criteria for selection or specific narratives of their comebacks were not included in the provided information. The awards serve as an acknowledgment of their perseverance and impact on the field.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.cbs17.com, see more information here.
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