Baseball and softball, which missed out on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, are gearing up for a much-anticipated return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This decision has rekindled the debate over Major League Baseball’s (MLB) longstanding exclusion of players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. The discourse surrounding MLB players' participation in the 2028 Games is gaining traction, fueled by endorsements from some of the sport’s brightest stars.
Baseball Stars Rally Support
High-profile players such as Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have been vocal advocates for MLB players' inclusion in the Olympic roster. Their sentiments resonate with fellow standout Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, who has also expressed a strong desire to compete on the global stage.
"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 shared recently. "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 intentions are clear, yet he remains grounded in his commitment to the Yankees, especially after signing a nine-year contract with the team. "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," he added.
Impressive Performance Stats
Judge's desire to contribute meaningfully is backed by his impressive performance stats. Currently, he boasts a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season. This is a remarkable improvement from his stats in the same number of team games in 2022, where he hit .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs. By the time of the 2028 Olympics, Judge will be 36 years old, an age that many consider to be the twilight of an athlete's career. Nevertheless, Judge’s current trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, making him a strong candidate should MLB players be allowed to compete.
Commissioner's Stance and Historical Context
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred appears to be open to the idea, describing his stance as "open-minded." This could signal a potential shift in policy that aligns more closely with international standards. In contrast, Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) demonstrated its support for Olympic participation when it paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, enabling its players to compete and secure a gold medal in baseball.
The inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics not only enhances the competitive field but also adds significant star power to the event, potentially boosting global interest and viewership. Such a move would require the alignment of various stakeholders, including team owners, the MLB Players Association, and international sports bodies.
Looking to the Future
As baseball eyes its return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles, the dialogue surrounding MLB players' participation continues to evolve. Given the growing support from top players and an open-minded MLB Commissioner, the 2028 Olympics could mark a pivotal moment for baseball at the international level.
Further down the road, the Brisbane, Australia, will host the Summer Olympics in 2032, continuing the tradition of bringing the best athletic talent together every four years. Should the MLB decide to allow its players to participate in Los Angeles, it could set a precedent for future Games, fostering a new era of baseball's global appeal.