Phillies' Zack Wheeler receives 'crazy' bold Cy Young prediction for 2026 season

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Phillies' Zack Wheeler receives 'crazy' bold Cy Young prediction for 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies have multiple pitchers who could have a chance at winning the Cy Young this upcoming MLB season.

Cristopher Sanchez was the runner-up to Paul Skenes last year, and could win it this season, and it wouldn't be a surprise. If Jesus Luzardo can pitch like he did to begin the season in 2025 for a full year, his Cy Young candidacy would be strong.

However, The Athletic's Matt Gelb predicted that Zack Wheeler, coming off thoracic outlet syndrome, will win the NL Cy Young. Gelb acknowledged how crazy this prediction is, but it's also not a zero-percent chance with how good Wheeler can be.

Zack Wheeler predicted to win NL Cy Young in 2026​

"Zack Wheeler wins his long-coveted NL Cy Young Award," Gelb writes. "This is crazy. This is probably too bold. But Wheeler, who turns 36 in May, was pitching at an elite level last season before a blood clot that later revealed thoracic outlet syndrome derailed everything."

Wheeler hasn't pitched in a Major League game since August 15th, and yet, he still received Cy Young votes last season for a very strong 2.71 ERA season across 24 starts.

The beloved Phillies righty has been fighting for a chance to win his first Cy Young Award, being a runner-up multiple times in his six seasons with the Phillies.

More: Jesus Luzardo’s $135 million extension is a steal for Phillies

He's one of the best pitchers in baseball when healthy, and if he can come back soon this season, which looks possible amid the news that he is having a rehab start on the first Saturday of the regular season, he could make a case for the award in 2026.

Since he's going to miss a few starts this season, not only will Wheeler have to return ASAP, but he will need to have the best season of his career to justify voters giving him the Cy Young this season.

This might be the boldest of bold predictions, as Wheeler, after not pitching for months since coming off a scary situation, winning the Cy Young in his first season back, would be a stunning turnaround, especially at 36 years old.

More MLB news:​

• Blue Jays sign Joe Mantiply to minor league contract
• Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki will return to rotation, not bullpen according Dave Roberts
• Alex Cora announces Caleb Durbin is Red Sox starting third baseman
• Joey Wentz is out for the season with a torn ACL for the Braves
• Reds’ Hunter Greene to be out until July amid brutal injury news
• Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar

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