The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are already generating significant buzz, not least because Major League Baseball is considering allowing its stars to participate for the first time. This potential inclusion of MLB players is set to be a major talking point, particularly after baseball’s notable absence from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics.
With baseball making a highly anticipated return to the Olympic Games, the excitement among players is palpable. Among the most enthusiastic is Bryce Harper, who has expressed his eagerness to represent the United States. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," reflecting the zeal and anticipation that is shared by many players and fans alike.
Veteran Stars Excited for Olympics
Bryce Harper, who will be 35 years old in 2028, is not alone in his excitement. Aaron Judge, another luminary of Major League Baseball, is equally eager to wear the stars and stripes. Judge, who will be 36 when the Los Angeles Games roll around, has plenty to look forward to. Since turning 30 on April 26, 2022, Judge has posted an OPS north of 1.100 and slugged 137 homers in 363 games, further solidifying his status as one of the game's premier power hitters.
Younger talents like Adley Rutschman and Triston Casas are also expected to be key contributors. Rutschman, who will be 30 in 2028, and Casas, who will be 28, are both positioned to be in the primes of their careers. Casas, in particular, has shown promise with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 home runs in 181 games for the Boston Red Sox.
A New Generation Poised for Glory
The excitement isn’t limited to established stars. The younger generation, led by players like Jackson Holliday, who will be just 24 years old in 2028, is also raring to go. Holliday recently made his Major League debut at the age of 20, indicating a bright future ahead. Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., who will be 27 and 28 respectively, are also noteworthy mentions. Witt Jr., currently an MVP candidate in the American League at just 24, underscores the depth of young talent eager to showcase their skills on the Olympic stage.
Riley Greene and James Wood are two more rising stars to watch. Greene will be 27 by the time the Olympics come around, while Wood, already a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors at 21, will be 26. Their potential impact on Team USA is immense. Additionally, Paul Skenes, who will be 26 in 2028, is generating considerable attention as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. His inclusion in the national team could be a game-changer for the USA's medal aspirations.
Anticipation Builds for a Historic Event
The possible participation of MLB stars adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the 2028 Summer Olympics. For many players, representing their country on this grand stage would be a career highlight. Harper’s enthusiasm, Judge’s consistent dominance, and the emergence of younger talent like Holliday, Witt Jr., and Skenes, collectively paint a promising and thrilling picture for baseball in the upcoming Olympics.
As Los Angeles prepares to host this monumental event, the world will be watching not just to see who takes home the gold, but also to witness the unique blend of seasoned veterans and dazzling new talents that define the current and future of baseball.