Rangers' Jake Burger Named 2026 Philanthropist of the Year by the Players Trust

Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has been chosen as the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year by the Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. The honor was announced October 28 as part of the Players Choice Awards, and Burger is the first Rangers player to receive it since the award began in 2023.

The recognition brings a $25,000 grant to The Burger Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that Burger and his wife, Ashlyn, operate. The group works to support individuals with Down syndrome and to help families raising children with disabilities. This is the second Players Trust honor for Burger this year. In May he was named Most Valuable Philanthropist, which brought a $10,000 grant that helped launch The Lucky Ranch, a multi-acre facility in Nashville built to create jobs for adults with disabilities.

Closer to home, the foundation's "Down Syndrome Is Cool" merchandise has raised more than $150,000, according to the Players Trust. Burger and the Rangers hosted Down Syndrome Awareness Day at Globe Life Field in 2025 and 2026, with proceeds from specialty tickets and merchandise going to local Down syndrome organizations. A portion of every No. 21 jersey sold at the ballppark also goes to the foundation, a number Burger wears in reference to Trisomy 21.

Burger has also pitched in on food security. According to Texas Rangers On SI, he has helped stock the Texas Rangers Youth Academy in West Dallas with roughly $30,000 in fresh produce and non-perishable goods for athletes and their families.

Original reporting by MLB.com, with additional details from WFAA and Texas Rangers On SI.