BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Diamondbacks baseball pitcher Corbin Burnes, Donates Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds… “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew……. Read more

BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher Corbin Burnes Donates Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative, Funding 150 Housing Units with 300 Beds

In a stunning and heartfelt act of generosity, Arizona Diamondbacks ace pitcher Corbin Burnes has announced that he is donating the entirety of his $12.9 million signing bonus and recent sponsorship earnings to fund a new homeless shelter and transitional housing initiative in Phoenix, Arizona.

The initiative, which will be called “Second Chance Housing Project”, is set to construct 150 units of transitional housing, including 300 shelter beds, along with on-site support services aimed at helping individuals and families get back on their feet. The development will include access to medical care, job training, mental health resources, and addiction recovery programs.

“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up…”

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Burnes grew emotional as he explained the motivation behind his decision:

“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew that if I was ever in a position to make a difference — I had to. I remember nights when we didn’t know how we were going to keep the lights on. Not everyone has a way out, but everyone deserves a second chance.”

Burnes, 30, who was acquired by the Diamondbacks in a high-profile trade this past offseason, has long been an advocate for mental health and poverty alleviation. But this is by far his most significant philanthropic effort to date.

A Bold Step Toward Solutions

The $12.9 million donation is one of the largest single contributions by a professional athlete in recent memory, and local officials are praising the move.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego called Burnes’ gift “transformational.”

“This is more than a donation — it’s a message that no one in our community should be left behind. Corbin Burnes is not only a world-class athlete but a world-class human being.”

The project is set to break ground early next year, with plans to open its doors by late 2026.

Fans and Teammates React

Reactions from around the league and the baseball world poured in as news of Burnes’ gesture spread.

Teammate Ketel Marte posted on social media:

“Proud to play with someone like Corbin. He’s making real change — on and off the field.”

Even rival players weighed in, with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler tweeting:

“Massive respect to Corbin Burnes. That’s how you use your platform.”

Beyond Baseball

Burnes hopes this initiative will inspire others in professional sports — and beyond — to think bigger about how they can give back.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about the money. It’s about what you do with the opportunities you’re given. Baseball gave me a voice — now I want to use it to lift others up.”

What’s Next?

According to Burnes, this is only the beginning. He plans to establish a nonprofit foundation aimed at supporting affordable housing and youth mentorship programs nationwide. He is also reportedly working with several local businesses and civic leaders to scale the project if initial success is seen.

In a sports world often dominated by contract negotiations, trade rumors, and on-field drama, Corbin Burnes just reminded everyone what true leadership looks like — not in the ninth inning, but in the lives of those who need it most.