In one of baseball’s largest humanitarian responses of the year, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association have pledged $1 million to support relief efforts in Venezuela.
MLB and the MLBPA are joining the growing effort to support Venezuela following the country’s devastating earthquakes, pledging $1 million in humanitarian aid as the baseball community rallies behind one of the sport’s most influential nations.
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association announce joint $1 million donation to the Red Cross for Venezuela earthquake relief pic.twitter.com/Ps3PgmStC7
— MLB (@MLB) June 30, 2026
The joint donation, announced by both the MLBPA and MLB, will be directed to the Red Cross to assist communities affected by the twin earthquakes that struck Caracas, La Guaira, and surrounding areas on June 24. The funding will help provide emergency shelter, medical care, mental health services, access to safe drinking water and other essential relief supplies as recovery efforts continue.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck just 39 seconds apart in what the US Geological Survey described as a “doublet sequence.” Nearly 2,000 people have been confirmed dead, thousands remain missing, and tens of thousands have been injured, placing enormous strain on hospitals and emergency responders throughout the region.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and everyone enduring the aftermath of this disaster,” Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Venezuela is home to many Major Leaguers, and the country and its fans have contributed so much to the game of baseball. Through this joint donation to the Red Cross, we hope to provide critical resources to the brave first responders and offer meaningful support to the Venezuelan people as they begin the difficult recovery process.”
MLBPA interim Executive Director Bruce Meyer echoed those sentiments, saying, “The MLBPA stands with our players from Venezuela, their families and the countless others affected by the devastating earthquakes in Caracas, La Guaira and neighboring regions,” Meyer said. “As rescue and recovery efforts remain underway, we are committed to providing our full support as the Venezuelan people recover and rebuild from this tragedy.”
The Boston Red Sox have also taken an active role in relief efforts during their current homestand. Red Sox player families and staff have been collecting monetary donations at the gates of Fenway Park, while additional contributions can be made online through the Red Sox Foundation. www.RedSoxFoundation.org/Relief.
Boston’s active roster features five Venezuelan-born players: outfielder Wilyer Abreu, first baseman Willson Contreras, infielder Andruw Monasterio, catcher Carlos Narváez and left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez.
Contreras has spent the past week using his social media platforms to encourage donations while taking the field with added purpose.
“Because that’s the only thing I can do for Venezuela right now physically,” Contreras said. “Of course I’m helping the team to win and it’s good; but I think every homer from now on is going to be for the Red Sox and Venezuela.”
Venezuela’s connection to Major League Baseball extends far beyond the current crisis. Earlier this year, Team Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic championship, while 60 Venezuelan players were named to 2026 Opening Day rosters, highlighting the country’s continued impact on the sport.
As Venezuela begins the long road to recovery, the baseball community has demonstrated that its connection to the country reaches well beyond the diamond. From MLB and the MLBPA’s $1 million commitment to club-led fundraising efforts and players using their platforms to inspire support, the sport has united behind one of baseball’s proudest nations. For many Venezuelan players, including Contreras, every game now carries a deeper meaning as they continue representing both their clubs and the people back home.
Make a Donation Red Sox Relief for Venezuela Link.
WBN Venezuela: https://worldbaseball.com/league/venezuela/
Photo: Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association Announce Joint $1 Million Donation To the Red Cross For Venezuela Earthquake Relief. – MLBPA Communications – MLBPA Image Courtesy Link
