The Philadelphia Phillies cruised to a National League East title last season, finishing 13 games ahead of the underwhelming New York Mets. While the Atlanta Braves are typically strong postseason contenders, a disastrous start to their 2025 campaign kept them from seriously threatening Philadelphia’s dominance.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Phillies remain well-positioned to contend, though concerns linger about their starting rotation. Ranger Suárez departed in free agency to join the Boston Red Sox, leaving a gap in the staff. Meanwhile, ace Zack Wheeler is working his way back from thoracic outlet decompression surgery he underwent in September.
Wheeler is widely expected to miss the beginning of the season as he continues his recovery. Still, recent developments have been highly encouraging. He threw a bullpen session on Thursday, and early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The Phillies plan to allow him approximately six weeks to build up strength and endurance, at which point a return to major league action could be possible. The organization will monitor his progress closely through multiple checkpoints, but Wheeler has expressed confidence in how he feels physically.
“There’s been years where I came [to Spring Training] and I’m basically at where I’m at right now,” Wheeler said, according to Todd Zolecki of Phillies.com. “It’s a little different, but at the same time I’m not too far behind.”
The Phillies intend to be cautious, ensuring Wheeler isn’t rushed back prematurely. Their goal is for him to return without setbacks and resume his role as the staff’s leader. If Philadelphia hopes to remain a serious playoff threat and compete with the National League’s elite, having a healthy Wheeler anchoring the rotation will be essential.
