Justin Verlander is one of the highest-paid athletes in major league baseball, pulling down an average of $33 million annually through 2021.
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The Houston Astros pitcher, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner after posting a 21-6 record in 2019, posted a video on his Instagram page and said he will be donating his MLB paychecks to various organizations to help them during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Major League Baseball recently announced that teams would continue to pay players while the season is suspended because of the COVID-19 outbreak, KHOU reported.
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Verlander, with his wife, Kate Upton, announced in the video he would donate his check to a different organization every time he was paid.
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“Everyone around the world is affected by this virus, and we hope to contribute to the families and jobs affected, the healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines and the many others in need of basic necessities, medical supplies and support at home,” Verlander said. “We encourage you to stay home to help flatten the curve and look to those around you who need a helping hand.”
