2026 MVP
The Most Valuable Philanthropist (MVP) recognizes Major League Baseball players who make a meaningful impact through philanthropy, using their platform to strengthen communities. It is presented six times during the regular season, in April, May, June, July, August, and September, with each recipient’s charity receiving a $10,000 grant from the Players Trust.
Additionally, all MVP Award nominees are considered for the Philanthropist of the Year Award, which includes a $25,000 donation to the winner’s chosen charity.
PAUL
SKENES
JUNE MVP
The Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) was established in 2011 by award-winning Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise to support our nation’s veterans, first responders, heroes and defenders, along with their families. Skenes has worked closely with GSF throughout his career, including volunteering his time to serve meals of appreciation and provide grants for new equipment to Pittsburgh-area first responders, along with hosting servicemembers and GSF families at games throughout the season. He is now pledging his award to the cause.
A California native, Skenes broke into the big leagues in 2024, less than a year after being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB draft. He is a two-time All-Star with Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards to his credit. Skenes has worked with the Gary Sinise Foundation since his rookie year, pledging $100 for each of his strikeouts to help veterans.
JAKE BURGER
MAY MVP
A St. Louis native, Burger broke into the big leagues in 2021 with the White Sox and has since logged
time with the Marlins and Rangers. Jake and Ashlyn were inspired by their daughter, Penelope, and their
journey ignited a passion to champion inclusion, celebrate abilities, and support families like their own.
"Our daughter Penelope was born with Down syndrome on October 25, 2024. Ever since that date, we went to work because that community embraced us,” said Jake.
“We started the Burger Family Foundation to help people of all ages that have Down syndrome with whatever they need, and it has been one of the most gratifying experiences of our lives.”
The Burger Family Foundation has already begun to make use of the Players Trust’s grant.
“We cannot thank the Players Trust enough for honoring our family with this award and are happy to say the funds are already in great use helping families in need,” said Ashlyn. “When we started the foundation, our five-year timeline was to open a ranch and be able to have animals for the local community to interact with. We have worked very hard and will be opening the ranch this next month so that adults from all the local centers in Tennessee can come to the farm any day of the week.”
MATT BOYD
APRIL MVP
Matthew Boyd is the recipient of the first Most Valuable Philanthropist award for the 2026 season. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Boyd’s honor in recognition of his humanitarian work in Uganda through Kingdom Home, an
organization he founded in 2018 along with his wife, Ashley.
Kingdom Home is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end child slavery by providing safe environments and resources for children in Uganda. Kingdom Home has grown to house 156 children between the ages of 8 and 19, providing them with food, education and shelter.
“Matthew and Ashley’s dedication to the children of Uganda demonstrates the power of baseball and the power players possess to make a difference in the global community,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “We are proud to honor Matthew’s work with Kingdom Home by naming him as
our first Most Valuable Philanthropist for 2026.”
Read more in the press release below:
Matthew Boyd is the recipient of the first Most Valuable Philanthropist award for the 2026 season. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Boyd’s honor in recognition of his humanitarian work in Uganda through Kingdom Home, an
organization he founded in 2018 along with his wife, Ashley.
Kingdom Home is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end child slavery by providing safe environments and resources for children in Uganda. Kingdom Home has grown to house 156 children between the ages of 8 and 19, providing them with food, education and shelter.
“Matthew and Ashley’s dedication to the children of Uganda demonstrates the power of baseball and the power players possess to make a difference in the global community,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “We are proud to honor Matthew’s work with Kingdom Home by naming him as
our first Most Valuable Philanthropist for 2026.”
Read more in the press release below:
