Players Trust announces Mike Tauchman as a Most Valuable Philanthropist, the sixth honoree of the 2025 season

White Sox outfielder awarded $10,000 grant to support his work with the Lurie Children’s Hospital for children with cleft and craniofacial conditions

NEW YORK, September 29 – The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced today that Chicago White Sox outfielder Mike Tauchman is the sixth and final Most Valuable Philanthropist of 2025. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Tauchman’s honor in recognition of his work with the Lurie Children’s Hospital, a nonprofit pediatric acute care hospital dedicated to providing children and families access to innovative treatments, family-centered care, and community health programs.

“Mike has embraced his role as a Major League Player by giving his time and heart to the children and families at Lurie Children’s Hospital,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “His dedication to providing hope and support, and his genuine care for those facing difficult challenges, are an inspiration to all of us. The Players Trust is proud to recognize Mike’s ongoing efforts and to stand behind him as he continues to make a difference in the lives of so many.”

Tauchman has taken a hands-on role in supporting families of children with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Inspired by their daughter Remi, who was born with a cleft palate. Tauchman and his wife, Eileen, organized a care package initiative during a White Sox home game, enlisting the help of staff, players’ families, and partners to assemble and deliver comfort bags to a local children’s hospital. In conjunction with National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month in July, the Tauchmans launched a fundraising campaign at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Tauchman pledged to personally match donations up to $18,000 —reflecting his jersey number 18 —and invited donors contributing $18 or more to enter for a chance at a White Sox gameday experience.

Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Tauchman made his Major League debut in 2017. Over his seven seasons in the major leagues, the Illinois native has carved out a role as a versatile outfielder, also taking the field for the Yankees, Giants, Cubs, and White Sox. In recognition of his impact both on and off the field, Tauchman was also nominated in 2025 for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, which honors a Player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions both on and off the field.

“Our experiences with our daughter opened our eyes to the challenges so many families face,” said Mike Tauchman. “Those early months were filled with uncertainty and stress, but they also showed us the importance of compassion and community. Partnering with Lurie Children’s Hospital is a way for Eileen and I to help bring comfort, hope, and practical support to families going through similar situations. We want others to know they’re not alone in this journey.”

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.