The Most Valuable Philanthropist award recognizes a Player whose efforts have made a positive impact in the causes and communities personal to him. The MVP award is offered three times over the course of the regular season, celebrating the individual Player who demonstrates an altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond.
The winner of this award will receive a grant in his name to the charity of his choice, as well as automatic consideration for the Philanthropist of the Year Award which is given at the end of the year.
MICHAEL WACHA
JuLY 2025
The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced that Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha is the fourth Most Valuable Philanthropist of 2025. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Wacha's honor to Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas in recognition of his charitable efforts.
Ryan Walker
June 2025
The Players Trust announced that Giants pitcher Ryan Walker is the third Most Valuable Philanthropist of 2025. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Walker’s honor to recognize his charitable efforts in partnership with Family House, George Mark Children’s House and Big League Impact – among others. Walker plans to use the grant to support his new nonprofit organization Jesus Over Baseball, which will provide baseball equipment, clothes, and other resources to impoverished countries.
AARON NOLA
MAY 2025
The Players Trust announced that Phillies star pitcher Aaron Nola is the second Most Valuable Philanthropist of 2025. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Nola's honor to recognize his tireless work on behalf of the ALS Association and his support of veterans through his work with Team Red, White and Blue, among other charitable initiatives.
ZACH MCKINSTRY
APRIL 2025
The Players Trust, announced that Detroit Tigers utility player Zach McKinstry is the first Most Valuable Philanthropist of 2025. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in McKinstry’s honor to support his work with BBQ Mission, a Phoenix-area nonprofit that feeds unhoused members of the community, and NW Futures Baseball Academy, a program helping young players in the Pacific Northwest grow their skills on the diamond regardless of economic status.