MLB Stars Eyeing Olympic Stage in 2028
The Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 could mark a significant chapter in the intersection of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as the sporting world anticipates the return of baseball to the Olympic program. Despite being left out of the 2024 Paris Olympics, baseball's resurgence in 2028 is set to capture the imagination of fans and players alike.
One of the most significant points of contention remains the participation of MLB players. Currently, the league excludes athletes on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, a decision that has sparked notable public support for change from several key figures in the sport.
Superstars like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have made their support clear, advocating for MLB players' involvement in the Olympics. The clamor for change has also seen vocal support from Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' star outfielder. Judge, who will be 36 by the time the 2028 Olympics come around, expressed his aspirations to represent his country on the international stage.
“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 are 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,” said Judge.
Judge's ambitions coincide with an impressive season where he has maintained a slash line of .321/.456/.691 and belted 41 home runs. Comparatively, during the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs, illustrating his consistent prowess at the plate.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has hinted at an evolving stance, noting that he remains "open-minded" about the inclusion of MLB players in future Olympic games. This openness stands in stark contrast to MLB's historical reluctance to release its top players, fearing disruptions to the regular season.
Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) set a precedent by pausing its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, enabling its players to compete and ultimately secure a gold medal in baseball. This decision was widely praised and has since fueled discussions within the MLB community about potential solutions that could permit similar participation without major disruptions.
Judge acknowledges the complexity of balancing such aspirations with his commitments to the Yankees. “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,” he stated.
Judge’s long-term commitment to the Yankees underscores the reality faced by many top-tier players — the delicate act of balancing league responsibilities with international ambitions. Nevertheless, for these athletes and their fans, the prospect of seeing MLB talent grace the Olympic stage is a tantalizing one.
As the world looks forward to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the evolving discussions between MLB, its players, and the IOC will continue to be a focal point. Whether Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and other MLB stars will get their chance to compete remains to be seen, yet the dialogue is promising.
Baseball enthusiasts can also look ahead to Brisbane, Australia, which will host the Summer Olympics in 2032. With momentum possibly building from the 2028 games, a more inclusive approach to player participation might pave the way for future Olympic tournaments.
For now, the aspirations of MLB players like Aaron Judge offer a glimpse into a potential future where America’s pastime regains its place on one of the world’s grandest stages.