Baseball's Olympic Prospects Brighten as Calls for MLB Player Inclusion Grow
As excitement builds for the return of baseball to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the possibility of Major League Baseball (MLB) players suiting up to represent their countries is becoming a hot topic of discussion. While the sport was excluded from the 2024 Paris Olympics, the anticipation for its 2028 comeback is growing, fueled by public support from some of MLB's biggest stars.
Currently, MLB has a policy that excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. However, this stance might be subject to change, especially with prominent figures like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani openly advocating for participation. Adding to this chorus of voices is none other than Aaron Judge, the superstar outfielder for the New York Yankees. Judge has been vocal about his aspirations to play in the Olympics, expressing his enthusiasm in a manner that resonates with fans and fellow athletes alike.
Judge, who has signed a nine-year contract with the Yankees, shared his thoughts on the potential opportunity. "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," he stated. "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."
His comments reflect a broader sentiment among players who see the Olympics as a pinnacle of international competition. Judge also highlighted a personal ambition to represent his country, having never had the chance to do so during his amateur years. This desire is coupled with his commitment to the Yankees and their quest for a championship.
"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," Judge emphasized. "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."
Judge’s stellar performance this season only amplifies his credibility and the excitement surrounding his potential Olympic involvement. With a slash line of .321/.456/.691 and 41 home runs, Judge continues to demonstrate why he is one of the premier talents in MLB. Comparing his current performance to his stats from the same number of team games in 2022, where he hit .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs, it is clear that Judge is maintaining an elite level of play.
By the time the 2028 Olympics arrive, Judge will be 36 years old. Whether he can maintain his top-tier performance until then remains a crucial factor. Nonetheless, his current form and dedication suggest he could be a significant asset to Team USA.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed a willingness to reconsider the league’s stance on player participation in the Olympics. When asked about the issue, Manfred described his stance as "open-minded," an indication that discussions are ongoing and that a shift in policy might be possible.
Manfred and the MLB could look to Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league as a case study. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the NPB paused its season, allowing its players to vie for Olympic glory. Their efforts were rewarded with a gold medal in baseball, underlining the potential benefits of such a policy.
Furthermore, the inclusion of MLB players could significantly enhance the global profile of the sport, contributing to the continued growth and globalization of baseball. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics offers a prime opportunity for MLB to showcase its best talent on one of the world’s biggest stages. Should this come to fruition, it would mark a significant shift in how the sport is presented on the international stage.
Additionally, looking ahead to subsequent Olympic Games, Brisbane, Australia, will host the Summer Olympics in 2032. This continuation of baseball in the Olympics points to a bright future for the sport, with increasing opportunities for international competition.
As discussions continue within the MLB and among its players, fans and supporters remain hopeful. The prospect of MLB stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Shohei Ohtani competing in the Olympics is tantalizing. For now, all eyes are on the developments that will dictate whether this dream will become a reality come 2028.