As anticipation builds for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, baseball fans find themselves with an additional reason to celebrate. The Games mark the return of baseball, a sport notably absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics. This return comes with the thrilling possibility that Major League Baseball may allow its stars to participate for the first time. If this happens, some of the biggest names in the sport might take to the field, representing their respective countries in a global arena.
Stars Align for Team USA
The prospect of MLB stars donning their national colors has already generated considerable excitement among players. Bryce Harper, a perennial All-Star and one of baseball's most electrifying talents, has expressed his enthusiasm about the possibility. Harper, who will be 35 years old in 2028, has been vocal about his desire to suit up for Team USA. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," showcasing his eagerness to represent his country on an international platform.
Aaron Judge, another marquee name in the MLB, shares Harper's sentiments. Since turning 30 on April 26, 2022, Judge has continued to impress, maintaining an OPS north of 1.100 and smashing 137 homers in 363 games. He too has expressed excitement about the chance to play in the Olympics. Similar to Harper, Judge will be a seasoned athlete by 2028, approaching 36 years of age, yet the allure of Olympic competition has clearly struck a chord with him.
The Next Wave of Talent
Beyond the established stars, a new generation of MLB talent is eagerly awaiting their turn in the Olympic spotlight. Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 in 2028, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, are part of this dynamic group. Casas has already shown his potential with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in 181 games for the Boston Red Sox. These young stars represent the future of baseball, and their inclusion in the Olympics could herald a new golden era for the sport.
Jackson Holliday is another name to watch. At just 20 years old, he has recently made his major league debut and will be 24 in 2028. His youth and emerging talent make him a potential standout at the Los Angeles Games. Similarly, Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., both expected to be in their late 20s by 2028, are poised to make significant impacts. Witt Jr., currently an MVP candidate in the American League at just 24 years old, exemplifies the high-caliber athletes who could elevate the level of competition in the Olympics.
Prospects and Pitching Talent
The potential roster doesn’t stop with positional players. The pitching mound could see its share of highly-touted talent as well. Paul Skenes, considered the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, will be 26 years old in 2028. His raw ability and high expectations make him a potential centerpiece for Team USA’s pitching rotation. Another promising prospect is James Wood, currently a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors. At 21 now, Wood will be in the prime of his athletic career by the time the Olympics roll around.
Riley Greene's name also stands out among the younger generation, promising to be a formidable player when he reaches 27 in 2028. Each of these players contributes to a rich tapestry of talent that could make for a deeply competitive and thrilling Olympic Games.
The inclusion of Major League Baseball players in the Olympics would undoubtedly bring a new level of excitement and attention to the sport, and the speculation alone is enough to energize fans. With the 2028 Summer Olympics set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, baseball's reintroduction promises to be a highlight of the Games. Between veteran stars like Harper and Judge and rising talents like Holliday and Witt Jr., the potential mix of experience and youth could produce unforgettable moments and inspire the next generation of baseball athletes.