Players Trust announces Michael Wacha as the fourth Most Valuable Philanthropist of the 2025 season

Royals pitcher awarded $10,000 grant to support his work with Make-A-Wish of Missouri & Kansas

The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced today 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.

Throughout his 11-year major league career, Wacha has championed a wide variety of philanthropic causes, particularly those that support children in need. Wacha has held youth sports clinics which hosted over 200 area youth in in his hometown of Texarkana, Texas, and proceeds from each of the events support the local Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center. 

“No matter where Michael has played in the major leagues, he has always prioritized service and giving back to his communities,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “The time and resources he spends to make an impact off the field serve as a model for all Players--and no one is more deserving of this recognition than him.”

Drafted 19th overall out of Texas A&M by the Cardinals in 2012, Wacha shot through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut on May 30th of the following year and winning NLCS MVP during the Cardinals’ National League pennant run. Over his career with six teams, he has proven himself to be a workhorse starter, going 105-71 with a 3.89 ERA and 1,369 strikeouts. From 2022-2023, Wacha boasted a 24-6 record, the best in baseball over that period.

Since signing with the Royals in the 2023 offseason, Wacha has devoted himself to giving back to the Kansas City area. As a Royals Literacy League Champion, Wacha has worked tirelessly to build excitement around reading and literacy in elementary-aged public school students in Kansas City. Together with his wife Sarah, Wacha also supports organizations like Prom Series and Giving the Basics.

“As a father myself, I want to ensure that as many kids as possible get the same opportunities and resources as my own,” said Wacha. “I’m honored by this award from the Players Trust in support of Make-A-Wish, and will do my best to continue making a positive impact in the lives of Kansas City’s children.”

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.