With baseball and softball missing from the Olympic roster for the Paris 2024 Games, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating their comeback in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The conversation surrounding Major League Baseball (MLB) players potentially participating in the 2028 Olympics has gained momentum, fueled by support from high-profile stars and an open-minded stance from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Historically, MLB has excluded players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympic Games. This policy left some of the sport's top talent on the sidelines, including All-Stars like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani. Both athletes have been vocal in their advocacy for changes to the rules, expressing a desire to represent their countries on the world stage. Their sentiments resonate with many in the baseball community who view Olympic participation as a prestigious and significant opportunity.
Aaron Judge: A Star Ready to Shine
Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, has not been shy about his aspirations to compete in 2028 if the opportunity arises. Judge's current form only adds to the excitement. Boasting a remarkable slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, he is undeniably at the peak of his game. Comparisons to his performance at the same point in 2022, where he posted a .300/.397/.674 line with 46 home runs, illustrate his consistent excellence.
Judge, who will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, shared his thoughts on potentially representing Team USA: “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. 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.”
Balancing Priorities
While Judge's enthusiasm for Olympic participation is clear, he has also emphasized his primary focus: contributing to the Yankees and bringing a championship back to New York. “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,” Judge explained.
A Global Perspective
Japan's approach during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics offers an interesting precedent. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) paused its season to allow its players to compete, resulting in a gold medal performance that showcased the benefits of having top-tier professional players in the Olympic mix. This decision by NPB demonstrates that with proper adaptation and planning, professional leagues and the Olympic schedule can coexist harmoniously.
With the Brisbane Olympics scheduled for 2032, the upcoming decade presents a critical window for baseball and softball's international profile to grow and evolve. The potential integration of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics could set a powerful precedent for future tournaments, further strengthening the sport's global appeal.
Manfred’s Position
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has adopted an “open-minded” position regarding the inclusion of MLB players in the Olympics. His stance opens the door for further discussions and potential policy changes that could align MLB’s schedule with Olympic aspirations.
The dialogue among players, league officials, and international stakeholders underscores the importance of fostering a collaborative approach. The objective is to elevate baseball on a global platform, providing athletes with the rare honor of competing for their countries while maintaining their commitments to their professional clubs.
As preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games continue, the anticipation builds. Whether through the inspiration of stars like Aaron Judge or the strategic vision of leaders like Rob Manfred, the future of baseball in the Olympics looks promising. The prospect of seeing MLB’s finest compete on one of the world’s grandest stages is a thrilling possibility, promising to capture the imaginations of fans and players alike.