Baseball's Olympic Future: Judge, MLB Stars Await Los Angeles 2028
The impending absence of baseball and softball from the 2024 Paris Olympics has left many wondering about the future of these beloved sports on the international stage. However, all eyes are now on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where the return of baseball is highly anticipated, potentially with a significant twist—Major League Baseball (MLB) players might finally get their chance to compete for Olympic gold.
Presently, MLB excludes players on its 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, a policy that has been met with growing opposition from some of the league's biggest names. Superstars Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have openly supported the idea of MLB players participating in the Olympics, bringing heightened attention to the issue. Recently, Aaron Judge, the celebrated outfielder for the New York Yankees, has joined the chorus of voices advocating for a change in the current policy.
"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 said. "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, currently boasting a formidable slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, is making a strong case for his inclusion. Comparatively, during the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs, highlighting his consistent performance on the field. At 36 years old, he will still likely be in peak condition to compete in the 2028 Olympics.
Judge's enthusiasm for representing his country is palpable, but he also recognizes his primary obligations. "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," he explained. "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."
The possibility of MLB players participating in the Olympics has garnered attention from the upper echelons of the league's administration. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated an "open-minded" stance on the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Games, a sentiment that could pave the way for future policy changes. The participation of MLB players would indeed bring a new level of competition and excitement to Olympic baseball, something fans and players alike are eager to witness.
There's also a precedent for professional league participation in the Olympics. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) paused its season to allow its players to compete, a decision that culminated in Japan winning the gold medal in baseball. Should MLB adopt a similar approach, it could significantly bolster the U.S. team's chances of medaling in 2028.
As anticipation builds for Los Angeles 2028, other international players and leagues are likely keeping a close eye on MLB's decision. The future of baseball in the Olympics remains uncertain, but the conversations sparked by Judge, Harper, Ohtani, and others could herald a new era for the sport on the world stage.
Beyond 2028, the Olympic host city of Brisbane, Australia, in 2032 could also potentially feature baseball with top-tier talent if policies shift to allow for greater participation from professional leagues worldwide. However, the focus remains squarely on Los Angeles for now, with fans dreaming of a star-studded tournament featuring the best players from around the globe.
Whether it’s Aaron Judge making a crucial play in the outfield or another major league standout hitting a game-winning home run, the inclusion of MLB players could transform Olympic baseball into a marquee event. As discussions continue, the baseball community eagerly awaits decisions that could bring America's pastime to the forefront of the Olympic stage once more.