As the world looks forward to the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, fans of baseball and softball will have to reconcile with their absence from the program. However, hope is on the horizon for enthusiasts of America’s pastime as baseball is anticipated to return to the global stage at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
One of the pressing issues surrounding baseball's return is whether Major League Baseball (MLB) players will be allowed to participate. Currently, MLB excludes players on 40-man rosters from competing in the Olympics, a regulation that has sparked significant dialogue among players and leadership alike.
MLB Stars Speak Out
High-profile players including Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have publicly voiced their support for MLB players’ participation in the 2028 Games. The chorus of support is growing, with New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge recently joining the discussion. Judge, who is boasting an impressive slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, has made it clear that he is eager to represent his country.
"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 expressed with enthusiasm. "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 dreams of Olympic glory are balanced by a sense of responsibility to his current roster. "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," Judge remarked. "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."
Leadership’s Open Stance
The potential inclusion of MLB players in the Olympics has also caught the attention of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Indicated as "open-minded" about the prospect, Manfred’s stance provides a glimmer of hope for players and fans eager to see the best of the MLB on the Olympic stage.
Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball set a precedent by pausing its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This decision allowed its top-tier players to compete and ultimately secure a gold medal in baseball — a move that underscores the significant impact of having premier talent participate in the Games.
Looking Forward to Los Angeles
As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach, the conversation around MLB players representing their countries will inevitably intensify. Judge, who will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, remains optimistic about his chances to compete at this elite level. His current contract with the Yankees ensures he will be one of the prominent figures in baseball for years to come.
The Olympics have always been a prestigious platform for athletes across disciplines, and the chance for MLB players to compete would not only elevate the quality of the baseball tournament but also provide a significant boost to the sport's global appeal. With the possibility of other stars joining the fray, the 2028 Olympics could be a watershed moment for baseball.
It's a thrilling prospect to imagine the likes of Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Shohei Ohtani clad in their national colors, competing on a global stage. For now, as MLB’s leadership deliberates the logistics and feasibility, the baseball community holds its breath, hopeful for a decision that could reshape the sport's Olympic narrative.