MLB Stars Eye 2028 Olympics Amid Talks of Eligibility
MLB Stars Eye 2028 Olympics Amid Talks of Eligibility
Paris 2024 will notably be missing the crack of bats and the roar of fans for baseball and softball, which have been left out of the program. However, there's a glimmer of hope for baseball aficionados: the sport is expected to return to the Olympic stage in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This anticipated reappearance has ignited discussions about Major League Baseball (MLB) players' participation and the sport's global impact.
Currently, Major League Baseball has a policy that excludes players on 40-man rosters from competing in the Olympics. This policy has been met with public dismay from some of the game's most prominent figures, heightening the anticipation and speculation surrounding the 2028 event.
Player Aspirations and Public Support
Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, both titans of the modern game, have openly advocated for the inclusion of MLB players in the Olympics. This sentiment is echoed by Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' star outfielder, who has vocalized a strong desire to don the national colors on an international stage.
"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. "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, who is currently enjoying an impressive season with a slash line of .321/.456/.691 and 41 home runs, has also emphasized his commitment to the Yankees. "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."
A Broader Perspective
The significance of baseball’s return to the Olympics is underscored by the example set during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball paused its season, allowing top talents to represent their country, which culminated in a gold medal. This move illustrated the profound impact and excitement that can stem from having the world’s best players compete on such a grand stage.
Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner, has indicated an open-minded stance regarding MLB players' participation in future Olympic events. His brief yet significant comment, "Open-minded," leaves the door ajar for potential policy changes that could allow MLB stars to represent their countries in Los Angeles.
The Road to Los Angeles 2028
The path to seeing MLB players in the 2028 Olympics is paved with logistical challenges and negotiations, but the enthusiasm from players cannot be overstated. Aaron Judge, who will be 36 years old in 2028, remains hopeful about his opportunity to contribute to Team USA. His competitive spirit and undeniable talent, demonstrated by his extraordinary performance this season, keep the dream alive for many baseball fans.
The potential inclusion of MLB players could elevate the Olympic baseball tournament to unprecedented heights. The involvement of household names would not only boost the sport’s profile but also inspire a new generation of athletes worldwide. As the countdown to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics continues, the baseball world eagerly awaits further developments.
Meanwhile, fans and players alike hold their breath in anticipation, dreaming of a moment when the best of MLB can step onto the Olympic field. With influential voices like Bryce Harper, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge advocating for participation, the possibility becomes ever more tangible.
As the global stage prepares for a return of baseball, and with influential figures pushing for a change, the intersection of America’s pastime and Olympic glory seems not only possible but also imminent.
Looking Beyond 2028
While Los Angeles 2028 is at the forefront of these discussions, it is noteworthy that Brisbane, Australia, is on deck to host the Summer Olympics in 2032. The decisions made in the lead-up to 2028 could set significant precedents, influencing the future intersection of professional baseball and the Olympic Games.
For now, the focus remains squarely on Los Angeles and the possibility of a historic debut for MLB players in the Olympic arena. Fans, players, and officials eagerly await the decisions that will shape the next chapter of baseball's Olympic saga.
