Zack Wheeler

35-Year-Old PitcherSP

Philadelphia Phillies

Out

Injury Shoulder

Est. Return 3/1/2026

2025 Stats

W-L

10-5

ERA

2.71

WHIP

0.94

195

2026 Projections

W-L

ERA

WHIP

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2026 Fantasy Outlook

Through 24 starts, Wheeler had a real chance to make his age-35 campaign the one where he finally earned his first Cy Young. His 2.71 ERA marked the fifth time in six years with the Phillies that he was under 3.00 in that category, and he paired that with a career-best 0.94 WHIP. His 33.3 K% was also a career best, while his 5.6 BB% was excellent as well. Unfortunately, it all came crashing down in mid-August when he hit the injured list with a blood clot and was then diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. That injury is among the most devastating for pitchers and has derailed numerous careers, with Wheeler's former teammate Matt Harvey a notable example. Thoracic outlet syndrome takes multiple forms, and the version Wheeler has (venous) is comparatively less bad, but recovery from surgery is still expected to take 6-to-8 months, putting Wheeler's Opening Day availability in doubt. There's no guarantee he's able to get back to the same level at age 36 following such a major procedure. Read Past Outlooks

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