MLB Players Association Names 2026 Award Finalists
Professional baseball players have finalized the list of candidates competing for the annual honors this month.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball
Live Poll
Do you believe professional athletes should receive awards for their charitable impact beyond the sport?
The MLB Players Association has released the list of finalists for the 2026 Players Choice Awards. Winners are selected through a league-wide vote of active professional players.
Why it matters
These awards provide a peer-selected recognition of excellence on the field and in the community. Several honors include significant charitable grants to support the winning players' causes.
Winners of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year awards receive $25,000 charity grants, while philanthropic runners-up are granted $5,000.
The players
MLB Players Association
The MLB Players Association is the labor union representing all major league professional baseball players.
Marvin Miller
Marvin Miller was the influential executive director of the MLBPA who is credited with transforming the rights of professional baseball players.
The details
The Players Choice Awards were established in 1992 to recognize outstanding contributions to the sport. The ceremony serves as a highlight of the postseason calendar for professional baseball.
Timeline
1966-1982: Marvin Miller served as MLBPA executive director
1992: Players Choice Awards established
Week of October 26, 2026: Announcement of award winners
Season Trajectory
The awards highlight the conclusion of the season by honoring players who maintained high performance and community impact throughout the year. The recognition serves as a final capstone to the 2026 competitive calendar as the league transitions into the offseason.
Fans can track the award results to see which players their favorite teams supported for these honors. The inclusion of philanthropic grants demonstrates the financial influence of players in charitable sectors outside of their on-field contracts.
The takeaway
These awards emphasize that professional sports success is measured by more than just statistics. Athletes should consider how their philanthropic efforts impact their community and broader league reputation.
What happens next
Winners will be announced during the week of October 26, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the league and its athletes, visit the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dodger Blue.
Live Poll
Do you believe professional athletes should receive awards for their charitable impact beyond the sport?
