FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Players Trust Announces Jake Burger as Most Valuable Philanthropist Honoree for May 2026   

Rangers' infielder awarded $10,000 grant in support of his work helping individuals with Down syndrome and their families with the Burger Family Foundation 

NEW YORK, May XX – The Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced today that Texas Rangers infielder Jake Burger is the recipient of the second Most Valuable Philanthropist award for the 2026 season. The Players Trust will award a $10,000 grant in Burger's honor in recognition of his work with the Burger Family Foundation, an organization he founded alongside his wife Ashlyn in 2025. 

The Burger Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The foundation provides direct financial assistance and therapy to help lighten the load and ensure that all children have the resources they need to thrive. 

“Jake and Ashlyn's dedication to helping individuals with Down syndrome and their families is deeply inspiring, and it shows the profound impact Players can have within the communities that are close to them,” said Players Trust Executive Director Amy Hever. “We are proud to honor Jake and Ashlyn’s work with the Burger Family Foundation by naming him as our Most Valuable Philanthropist for May.”   

A St. Louis native, Burger broke into the big leagues in 2021 with the White Sox and has since logged time with the Marlins and Rangers. Jake and Ashlyn were inspired by their daughter,Penelope, and their journey ignited a passion to champion inclusion, celebrate abilities, and support families like their own. 

"Our daughter Penelope was born with Down syndrome on October 25, 2024. Ever since that date, we went to work because that community embraced us,” said Jake. “We started the Burger Family Foundation to help people of all ages that have Down syndrome with whatever they need, and it has been one of the most gratifying experiences of our lives.” 

The Burger Family Foundation has already begun to make use of the Players Trust’s grant.  

“We cannot thank the Players Trust enough for honoring our family with this award and are happy to say the funds are already in great use helping families in need,” said Ashlyn. “When we started the foundation, our five-year timeline was to open a ranch and be able to have animals for the local community to be able to interact with. We have worked very hard and we will be opening the ranch this next month so that adults from all the local centers in Tennessee can come to the farm any day of the week.” 

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. 

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Contact: Silvia Alvarez, MLBPA, salvarez@mlbpa.org, 646-285-1819  

Pablo Ocariz, MLBPA, pocariz@mlbpa.org, 646-581-5778