local10
Philadelphia right-hander Zack Wheeler and Houston designated hitter Yordan Alvarez were revealed as the National League and American League Comeback Players of the Year, respectively, during an announcement on Wednesday night in Las Vegas.
Alvarez, 29, also secured the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, snapping Shohei Ohtani's five-year reign. Additionally, Alvarez and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs were honored with Hank Aaron Awards as the top offensive performers in their leagues.
San Diego's Mason Miller claimed the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award, and Tampa Bay's Bryan Baker took the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Award. Erik Neander, the Rays' president of baseball operations, was named executive of the year for the second time, having previously won in 2019.
Wheeler, a 36-year-old righty, posted a 14-5 record with a 3.00 ERA in 28 starts, striking out 193 and walking 47 over 162 innings. In the previous season, he went 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA in 24 starts but did not pitch after August 15 due to thoracic outlet decompression surgery.
Alvarez captured his first AL batting title with a .316 average, adding 42 home runs, 106 RBIs, and a 1.033 OPS in a career-high 158 games. His 2025 campaign was cut short to 48 games because of a broken right hand and a sprained left ankle.
Voting for the Comeback Player awards was conducted by MLB.com's 30 team beat writers. Other NL players receiving votes included Miami right-hander Sandy Alcantara, Cincinnati reliever Tejay Antone, Padres infielder Ty France, Atlanta outfielder Michael Harris II, Pittsburgh right-hander Jared Jones, Milwaukee outfielder Garrett Mitchell, and Arizona left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez.
In the AL, vote-getters featured New York Yankees right-handers Paul Blackburn and Gerrit Cole, Cleveland/Washington pitcher Foster Griffin, Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan, and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.
The reliever awards were decided by a panel that included Hall of Famers Hoffman, Rivera, Rollie Fingers, and Billy Wagner, along with John Franco, Joe Nathan, and Troy Percival. Earlier in the day, Miller and Toronto's Louis Varland were named winners of the Baseball Writers Association of America's inaugural Relievers of the Year awards.
Balloting for the DH award was handled by team beat writers, broadcasters, and public relations departments. Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies finished second for the second consecutive season. The executive of the year vote was conducted by the 30 teams before the postseason; Milwaukee president of baseball operations Matt Arnold, who had won the previous two years, placed second.
Past winners and distinguished players comprised the voting panel for the Hank Aaron Awards.
Key Analysis
These awards highlight significant rebounds and standout performances across the league. Wheeler's return from surgery to frontline form and Alvarez's power surge after an injury-plagued 2025 season underscore their resilience. The recognition of Neander and the relievers further emphasizes the diverse contributions that shape a successful MLB season.
Originally reported by local10.