NEW YORK, June 10th – The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced today that Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is the recipient of the third Most Valuable Philanthropist award for the 2026 season. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Skenes' honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation. 

The Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) was established in 2011 by award-winning Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise to support our nation’s veterans, first responders, heroes and defenders, along with their families. Skenes has worked closely with GSF throughout his career, including volunteering his time to serve meals of appreciation and provide grants for new equipment to Pittsburgh-area first responders, along with hosting servicemembers and GSF families at games throughout the season.  He is now pledging his award to the cause.  

“Thank you to the MLBPA Players Trust for all it does to support players and for this grant to the Gary Sinise Foundation,” said Skenes. “The Foundation does incredible work for our veterans, first responders, and their families. You can never do enough for organizations that make such an impact, but this contribution will go a long way toward helping GSF continue its important work and support more people in need.” 

A California native, Skenes broke into the big leagues in 2024, less than a year after being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB draft. He is a two-time All-Star with Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards to his credit. Skenes has worked with the Gary Sinise Foundation since his rookie year, pledging $100 for each of his strikeouts to help veterans. 

“Paul’s commitment to supporting service members and first responders is personal, authentic, and impactful,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “Over the past year, he has used his platform to create meaningful financial support and foster a genuine connection with the men and women who serve our country. We are proud to recognize his leadership by naming him our Most Valuable Philanthropist for June.” 

Skenes’ support and connection to the troops goes beyond his life in professional baseball, including a close relationship with USO. During the offseason, he spent time aboard two deployed Navy ships at sea, where he engaged with more than 1,300 sailors. Skenes spent his first two years of college at the Air Force Academy in 2021-22. 

“Paul’s dedication to our service members and first responders reminds me a lot of my own personal journey, from having family members who have served our country, to getting out there to meet so many wonderful men and women who protect our communities and defend our country, he continues to do a little bit more each year,” said Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise. “On behalf of this grateful  

American, I want to sincerely congratulate Paul for his amazing accomplishments both on and off the field. To see first-hand how gracious and generous Paul has been with our families has been so inspiring to watch, and he’s most deserving of being presented with the ‘Most Valuable Philanthropist’ award.” 

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.   

Now in its 30th year, the Players Trust has supported and amplified players’ philanthropic and community engagement efforts by providing resources that extend their reach and impact. Through this work, players have inspired and positively affected countless individuals and communities across the U.S. and around the world. 

About the Players Trust 

Established in 1996, the Major League Baseball Players Trust is the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Players Trust is driven by players and inspired by the game. The Trust provides programs and resources that champion their individual and collective passions toward making a positive impact on the world and inspiring others to do the same. Through signature initiatives, strategic partnerships, and direct support, the Players Trust empowers current and former players to give back to the communities they care about most. 

Learn more at www.playerstrust.org.