Baseball enthusiasts worldwide have something to look forward to as the beloved sport is slated to make a comeback in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This news has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation, especially among Major League Baseball (MLB) players and fans alike. With baseball missing from the Olympic lineup for the upcoming Paris 2024 Games, the announcement of its return in 2028 has reignited discussions about player participation.
MLB Stars Advocate for Olympic Participation
Among the vocal advocates for MLB's participation in the Olympics are Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani. They have both expressed strong support for allowing MLB players to compete on the world stage. Adding to the chorus is Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, who has not only supported the idea but has also expressed a personal aspiration to represent his country in the 2028 Olympics.
Judge, who is currently enjoying an impressive season with a slash line of .321/.456/.691 and 41 home runs, shared his enthusiasm candidly: "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."
Judge's sentiments highlight a common desire among MLB players to showcase their talents on an international platform. Despite MLB's current policy of excluding players on 40-man rosters from the Olympics, the prospect of change seems possible. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's "open-minded" stance on this issue suggests that there could be room for policy adjustments to allow top-tier players to compete in the 2028 Games.
Age and Experience: Factors to Consider
Aaron Judge will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, adding a layer of complexity to his dream. Nonetheless, his performance trajectory and commitment to the sport underscore his potential to be a formidable competitor. In the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs, showcasing his consistent excellence at the plate.
Judge's commitment to the Yankees is also evident in his recent nine-year contract extension, a testament to his dedication to the team and the city of 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 emphasized.
Global Perspectives on Player Participation
The potential of MLB players participating in the Olympics isn't just a matter of personal ambition; it also holds significant implications for the sport globally. Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball set a notable precedent by pausing its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, allowing its finest players to compete. This move paid off as Japan clinched the gold medal in baseball, bolstering national pride and growing the sport's popularity.
Looking further ahead, the Summer Olympics in Brisbane, Australia, in 2032, could also benefit from a policy shift that includes MLB players. The inclusion of top-tier talent would elevate the competition and draw greater global attention to the sport, enhancing its international appeal.
The potential inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics not only promises to bring immense excitement and high-level competition but also represents a significant milestone for the sport. As fans and players eagerly await further developments, the anticipation continues to build, setting the stage for what could be one of the most thrilling baseball tournaments in Olympic history.