As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, the landscape for baseball and softball fans appears to have dimmed, with both sports having been excluded from the upcoming Olympic Games. However, all is not lost, as the anticipation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics grows, bringing a potential return of baseball to the world stage. This resurgence would mark a significant moment, particularly with the potential inclusion of Major League Baseball (MLB) players in the competition—a topic that has sparked interest among some of the biggest names in the sport.
A Growing Movement Among MLB Stars
Currently, MLB operates under a ruling that excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. This decision has faced scrutiny as players and fans alike yearn to see top-tier talent represent their countries in global competition. Notable stars such as Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have publicly thrown their support behind the idea of MLB players competing in the Olympics. Their advocacy is part of a growing movement that could reshape how baseball is viewed on the international stage.
Aaron Judge: A Star with Olympic Aspirations
Among those voices advocating for change is Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees. Judge’s current season has been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs. Comparatively, in the same number of team games last season, Judge stood at .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs. His consistent performance underscores his elite status in the sport.
Judge has made it clear that the opportunity to represent his country would be an honor. "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 remarked. He added, "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." With Judge slated to be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, his commitment and enthusiasm could drive significant interest and attention toward the event.
Balancing Priorities
While Judge's eagerness to wear the national colors is evident, he remains committed to his current responsibilities. "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," he emphasized. Judge’s recent nine-year contract with the New York Yankees reflects his dedication to the team. "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."
Commissioner’s Open-minded Stance
Adding to the conversation, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated a more open-minded stance regarding the participation of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. His perspective could be crucial in turning the possibility into reality. The precedent set by Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where the league paused its season to allow players to compete—and ultimately win a gold medal in baseball—offers a potential model for MLB to consider.
The Road Ahead
As the world of baseball looks towards Los Angeles 2028, the possibility of MLB stars showcasing their talent on the Olympic stage holds exciting prospects. The potential integration of MLB players could elevate the level of competition and bring a renewed energy to the sport on an international level.
Beyond the games and numbers, the prospect of watching athletes like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Shohei Ohtani don their national colors offers a narrative of unity and competition that transcends borders. It’s a vision that fans, players, and officials alike may rally behind in the coming years.