The countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics has officially begun, and sports enthusiasts are already buzzing with excitement. Set to take place in Los Angeles, this iteration of the Games promises to be particularly special for baseball aficionados. After a long-awaited return, baseball is set to grace the Olympic stage once more, having been absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics. This development has sparked significant interest, especially as Major League Baseball (MLB) ponders allowing its stars to participate in the Games for the first time.
MLB Stars Eye Olympic Glory
Two of baseball's biggest names, Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, have openly expressed their enthusiasm about the prospect of representing Team USA in 2028. Harper, who will be 35 years old when the Games arrive, has conveyed his eagerness to don the national colors. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," a sentiment echoed by many within the baseball community.
Aaron Judge, who will turn 36 in 2028, shares Harper's excitement. The towering outfielder, known for his prodigious power and batting prowess, has been a force to be reckoned with since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022. With an OPS north of 1.100 and a staggering 137 homers in just 363 games post-30, Judge's potential inclusion in the Olympic roster would be a significant boost for Team USA.
Rising Stars and Seasoned Veterans
The potential 2028 Team USA roster could feature an intriguing mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Among the younger talents is Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 years old in 2028. Triston Casas, a promising player with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 home runs in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox, will be 28. Jackson Holliday, a 20-year-old who recently made his major league debut, will be just 24 when the Olympic torch is lit in Los Angeles.
Gunnar Henderson, another talented player, will be 27, while Bobby Witt Jr., currently an MVP candidate in the American League at the age of 24, will also be 28 come 2028. Riley Greene, a rising star at 21, will be in his prime at 27 during the Games.
James Wood, a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors and currently 21, has the potential to make a significant impact if included in the team. On the pitching side, Paul Skenes, 26 in 2028, is considered the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, highlighting the depth of talent that could be available to Team USA.
The Road Ahead
The excitement surrounding baseball's return to the Olympics is palpable, both among the players and the fans. The potential participation of MLB stars would not only elevate the level of competition but also reignite global interest in the sport. For veterans like Harper and Judge, the 2028 Olympics represent not just an opportunity to cap their illustrious careers with Olympic glory, but also to inspire the next generation of baseball players worldwide.
The 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics are shaping up to be a landmark event for baseball, with a blend of experience and youth poised to shine on the world stage. As the sporting world eagerly awaits the Games, one thing is clear: the convergence of MLB stars and emerging talent promises to make baseball's Olympic comeback an unforgettable spectacle.