Baseball Set for Possible Resurgence in 2028 Olympics with MLB Stars’ Enthusiastic Endorsement
The landscape of Olympic sports is always shifting, and one of the most anticipated returns in recent memory is that of baseball in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. After its exclusion from the Paris 2024 lineup, baseball fans worldwide are eagerly looking forward to its anticipated comeback, especially with Major League Baseball (MLB) stars showing significant interest in participating.
Currently, MLB restricts players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. This policy has sparked considerable debate, particularly among top-tier players who are eager to showcase their talents on the global stage. High-profile advocates like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have voiced their support, hoping for a change in the policy that would allow MLB's best to compete. Aaron Judge, star outfielder for the New York Yankees, is among the latest to express his desire to play for Team USA.
"I'd love to play. If they give us the opportunity -- I don't know what the ruling or anything has come out about that -- but I'm all in on that. There's very few opportunities to get to do that and especially, hopefully, in the prime of my career where I can still do it and make an impact, I'd love to. I've never represented my country before, never got invited to those Team USA camps as an amateur, never really made the cut for those. Hopefully now I can make the cut," Judge shared, encapsulating the sentiment of many MLB players.
Judge's enthusiasm is palpable, and rightfully so. With a current slash line of .321/.456/.691 and 41 home runs this season, Judge is at the peak of his career. His performance shows a significant improvement even from 2022, where he boasted a .300/.397/.674 line with 46 home runs. As one of baseball’s premier power hitters, his involvement would undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to the USA team.
However, Judge is also realistic about his commitments. "It would be an honor to represent my country and play in that. But my main goal is what I can do here in New York and what I can do to bring a championship back here. I think especially after signing a nine-year contract, for me, priorities are New York. Maybe four years down the road, hopefully I can still make the team and get an opportunity to play. But right now for me, my focus is here."
The potential inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics has not been ruled out by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who has adopted an "open-minded" stance on the matter. This flexible approach could pave the way for a historic moment in international baseball competition, aligning with precedents set by other leagues around the world. For example, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, allowing its players to compete and ultimately win a gold medal in baseball.
As baseball inches towards its expected return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the possibility of seeing MLB stars don national colors provides an exhilarating prospect for fans and players alike. Aaron Judge will be 36 years old by then, adding a layer of urgency and desire for him to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. His aspirations echo a larger narrative of MLB players who are eager to extend their careers beyond league play and onto the global stage, representing their countries in one of the world's most cherished sporting events.
Looking further ahead, Brisbane, Australia, is set to host the Summer Olympics in 2032. While that remains a distant horizon, the success and outcomes from the 2028 Games may well determine how baseball and softball are perceived and included in future Olympic programs.
In conclusion, as the baseball community awaits official decisions, the overwhelming endorsement from players like Judge suggests a future where MLB stars headline at the 2028 Olympics is not just wishful thinking, but a burgeoning reality. With preparations already underway, fans across the globe can only hope that the dreams of their favorite players come to life on one of the largest athletic stages in existence.