Players Trust announces Kyle Higashioka as a Most Valuable Philanthropist, the fifth honoree of the 2025 season

Rangers catcher awarded $10,000 grant to support his work with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation

NEW YORK, August 26 – The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced today that Texas Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka is the fifth Most Valuable Philanthropist of 2025. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Higashioka’s honor to recognize his work with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing aid for Special Operations military personnel and their families. “Kyle’s unwavering commitment to supporting others, in particular our servicemen and women is deeply rooted in his own family’s story of serving our country,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “His hard work and heartfelt dedication to this cause serve as a powerful example for all Players looking to give back. The Players Trust is proud to stand alongside him and help amplify his impact.”

Higashioka’s involvement with SOWF dates back to the earliest days of his Major League career. Over that time, he has spearheaded multiple philanthropic initiatives to support the families of fallen Special Operations Personnel and Medal of Honor Recipients. As a member of the New York Yankees, Higashioka selected SOWF as the beneficiary of a raffle featuring assorted signed game-worn and game-issued commemorative Memorial Day memorabilia. He also held online auctions during his time on the Yankees and the San Diego Padres, with 100% of the net proceeds benefiting SOWF—getting his teammates involved in the process. The veteran catcher has also hosted SOWF families at a home Rangers game, and in partnership with Stadium Custom Kicks, designed and auctioned off custom game-worn cleats in support of SOWF.

Drafted by the Yankees in 2008, Higashioka made his Major League debut in 2017. During his stint in the Bronx, the California native established himself as a reliable backstop—catching both Corey Kluber’s no-hitter in 2021 and Domingo German’s perfect game in 2023. That year, Higashioka also joined the Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic. After one season with the Padres in 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers.

“I have enormous respect for anyone who has served in uniform,” said Higashioka. “It’s important to me to give back to those who have made unimaginable sacrifices for our country—and humbling to continue my partnership with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and support their work in any way I can.”

The Players Trust’s Most Valuable Philanthropist award will be given six times this season to Players who demonstrate an altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond. Each winner receives a $10,000 grant from the Players Trust to his chosen charity.

For more than 25 years, Players have been committed to making a difference by contributing their funding, time, talent and passion to help communities in need and encouraging others to get involved. Through the Players Trust, Players have supported a wide range of programs, granting tens of millions of dollars to make a positive impact on the lives of fans and youth organizations.