With baseball and softball's exclusion from the 2024 Paris Olympics, fans and players alike are eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Games for a potential return. The anticipation is significant, especially within Major League Baseball (MLB), where current restrictions prevent players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics.
Stars Rally for Olympic Eligibility
Two of MLB's most recognizable names, Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, have vocally endorsed the inclusion of MLB players for the 2028 Olympics. Aaron Judge, another star whose accolades and performance make him a significant figure in the sport, has also expressed his enthusiasm.
"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," Judge said. "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's Stellar Performance
Aaron Judge's enthusiasm for the 2028 Olympics is backed by his exemplary performance on the field. This season, the New York Yankees' star outfielder boasts an impressive slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs. His consistency is further highlighted by last season's stats, where he delivered a .300/.397/.674 performance with 46 home runs in the same number of team games. Such stellar performance not only underscores his potential impact at the Olympic level but also highlights why he's eager to represent his country if given the chance.
Judge, who will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, also emphasized his commitment to the New York Yankees, reflecting on his long-term contract. "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."
MLB Commissioner Open to Discussion
The conversation around MLB players' participation in the Olympics may hinge on the stance of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. When asked about the possibility, Manfred described his position as "open-minded," leaving room for potential changes in the coming years. The inclusion of MLB players could bring a heightened level of talent and competition to the Olympic baseball tournament, much like Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball did by pausing its season to allow players to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, resulting in a gold medal for Japan.
Global Baseball Scene
Looking at the broader context, the return of baseball to the Olympics in 2028 would be a significant development for the sport on an international level. The 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane, Australia, already provide another global stage for baseball enthusiasts to look forward to. For now, the focus remains on the potential of seeing MLB stars like Aaron Judge competing on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles, bringing their unparalleled skills and gripping narratives to a global audience.
As the dialogue continues and more voices like Harper, Ohtani, and Judge advocate for change, the vision of MLB players in the Olympics becomes an increasingly exciting possibility. Baseball fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see if these dreams will come to fruition, potentially redefining Olympic baseball for future generations.