Jake Burger Named Philanthropist Award Finalist

The Rangers star is recognized for his foundation work supporting individuals with Down syndrome.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Baseball

Jake Burger Named Philanthropist Award Finalist

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MLB players have named Texas Rangers infielder Jake Burger a finalist for the Players Choice Philanthropist of the Year Award. The nomination honors his commitment to community impact through The Burger Family Foundation.

Why it matters

The award highlights professional athletes who go beyond the game to create significant community impact. Burger is specifically recognized for his efforts to build The Lucky Ranch, a facility dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome.

During the 2026 season, Burger posted a .228/.302/.421 slash line with 28 home runs and 90 RBI. He also set career highs with 167 strikeouts and 56 walks while the Rangers finished with an 80-82 record.

The players

Jake Burger

He is an infielder for the Texas Rangers who established a foundation to provide resources for individuals with Down syndrome.

Matthew Boyd

He is a professional baseball player and a fellow finalist for the Players Choice Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Christian Yelich

He is an outfielder and a fellow finalist for the Players Choice Philanthropist of the Year Award.

The details

Burger is also in the running for the Roberto Clemente Award, with the winner scheduled to be announced later this month. His foundation focus centers on developmental support, most notably through the construction of the therapeutic Lucky Ranch.

October 2026: Roberto Clemente Award winner announcement.
Offseason 2026-2027: Players Choice Award results release.

Season Trajectory

Burger's philanthropic recognition provides a positive narrative conclusion to a 2026 season where the Rangers missed the postseason with an 80-82 record. This award candidacy cements his status as a central leadership figure within the clubhouse despite the team failing to defend its 2023 championship standing.

Burger enters the offseason coming off career highs in strikeouts and walks while maintaining consistent power numbers. His off-field work adds a significant positive reputation to his profile as the Rangers look to rebuild their roster for the next campaign.

The takeaway

Athletes like Burger use their platform to drive long-term community projects like therapeutic ranches. This highlights how professional sports organizations can serve as hubs for broader social and medical support networks.

What happens next

The winner of the Roberto Clemente Award will be announced in October 2026. The results for the Players Choice Philanthropist of the Year Award are expected to be released during the 2026-2027 offseason.