Houston Astros closer Josh Hader has been named the team’s nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball announced Monday.
The annual award recognizes the player who best represents baseball through character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions on and off the field. Each MLB club selects one nominee, with the league-wide winner chosen from the 30 candidates.
Hader’s Work in Houston
This is Hader’s second consecutive year as the Astros’ Roberto Clemente Award nominee. Since signing with Houston before the 2024 season, Hader and his wife, Maria, have made Houston their full-time home and have become active in supporting children and young adults in the community.
The couple established Hader’s Heart, which supports BEAR (Be A Resource) and Covenant House Texas. Their work is personal for Hader, whose grandparents fostered children when he was growing up. Through Hader’s Heart, children and families have also been invited to Astros games, where they can watch batting practice and meet players.
Hader has also participated in Astros Foundation events and other community initiatives since returning to the organization.
Fans Can Vote
Fan voting for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award is now open. Fans who cast a vote can also enter for a chance to win two tickets to a 2026 World Series game.
The fan vote counts as one vote among those cast by a panel that will select this year’s Roberto Clemente Award winner.
