The 2028 Summer Olympics: MLB Stars and the Return of Baseball
The 2028 Summer Olympics are shaping up to be a landmark event for many reasons, not the least of which is its location in Los Angeles. This iconic American city will not only host the Games but also welcome back a sport that has long waited for its Olympic return: baseball. The potential inclusion of Major League Baseball stars has added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.
Although baseball was absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics, it is poised to make a significant comeback in 2028. This reintroduction has stirred considerable enthusiasm among players and fans alike. One prominent player who has already expressed his excitement is Bryce Harper.
Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge Eye Olympic Gold
Bryce Harper, who will be 35 years old in 2028, has openly enthused, "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad." Harper's passion for the game is well-documented, and the possibility of representing his country on such a grand stage clearly resonates with him.
Equally thrilled is Aaron Judge, who will be 36 in 2028. Judge has amassed an impressive 137 homers in 363 games since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022, alongside maintaining an OPS north of 1.100 over that period. His current form suggests he could be a pivotal player for Team USA.
Harper and Judge aren’t alone in their aspirations. Talented younger players like Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 years old, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, are expected to be in their prime by 2028. Casas, for instance, already boasts an OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox. Their potential contributions could make the U.S. roster particularly formidable.
The Young Guns Ready for 2028
The buzz isn’t just about seasoned veterans; it is also about the young stars who could be making their Olympic debuts. Jackson Holliday, who recently made his major league debut at just 20 years old, will be 24 in 2028 and could bring youthful energy to the team. Similarly, Gunnar Henderson, Riley Greene, and Bobby Witt Jr. are all projected to be at the peak of their powers, aged 27, 27, and 28, respectively, by the time the Games begin.
Witt Jr., in particular, has been making waves this season as an MVP candidate in the American League at the age of 24. His performance indicates that he could be a crucial player for the Olympic team, bringing a high level of skill and competitive experience.
Another rising star to watch is James Wood, a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors, currently just 21 years old. By 2028, he could be a significant part of the U.S. team, adding depth and talent to an already impressive roster.
Pitching Prospects and Strategic Depth
On the pitching side, 26-year-old Paul Skenes could be one of the most exciting inclusions. Considered the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes could provide the kind of firepower from the mound that Team USA will need to compete at the highest level.
The enthusiasm surrounding baseball's return to the Olympics and the potential inclusion of MLB stars has created a sense of anticipation that perhaps hasn't been felt in decades. It is an opportunity for players to not only showcase their talents on a global stage but also to play for national pride and potentially bring home the gold medal.
As the 2028 Summer Olympics draw nearer, the potential roster for Team USA is becoming a topic of keen interest and speculation. Whether seasoned veterans like Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge or young phenoms like Jackson Holliday and Paul Skenes, the mix of talent and experience holds the promise of an unforgettable chapter in Olympic history. The world will be watching, and baseball fans, in particular, will be hoping to see their favorite stars rise to the occasion and deliver performances worthy of the Olympic spirit.