As the anticipation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles builds, baseball fans have much to look forward to. The return of baseball to the Olympics and the possibility of Major League Baseball (MLB) stars taking the stage is generating excitement on both sides of the ocean. With discussions around MLB easing restrictions and allowing its stars to participate, the idea of a baseball reemergence at the Games holds promise for a thrilling spectacle.
Return of Baseball to the Olympics
Baseball's absence in the Paris Summer Olympics left many fans and athletes yearning for its return. The sport's reintroduction in 2028 has sparked a wave of enthusiasm, not just among fans but also among the league's top players. For instance, Bryce Harper has openly shared his excitement, saying, "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad."
Harper, who will be 35 by the time the Games roll around, isn't the only one relishing the thought of representing Team USA. Aaron Judge, who will be 36 in 2028, has also expressed excitement about the chance to compete on an international stage, bolstering the event's allure. Judge's impressive performance over the past years, including an OPS north of 1.100 since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022, and 137 homers in 363 games since then, makes him a compelling figure to watch.
Rising Stars and Veterans Unite
The prospect of seasoned veterans teaming up with rising stars adds another layer of excitement. Adley Rutschman, set to be 30 in 2028, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, represent the younger generation poised to make their mark. Casas has already demonstrated his potential with a commendable OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox.
Additionally, the involvement of Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, and Bobby Witt Jr. hints at a dynamic roster filled with youthful energy and experience. Jackson Holliday, who will be 24 in 2028, recently made his major league debut, and Gunnar Henderson, who will be 27, are both players who can bring fresh talent and vigor to the team. Furthermore, Bobby Witt Jr., an MVP candidate in the American League at just 24, will be 28 in 2028, aligning his prime years perfectly with the Olympic schedule.
More Prospects and Hopes
The excitement isn't limited to position players. Paul Skenes, who will be 26 in 2028, is considered the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. His potential contribution to Team USA's pitching staff could be a game-changer, adding a formidable arm to an already robust lineup of talent.
Young talents like Riley Greene, who will be 27, and James Wood, currently a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors at 21, further enhance the depth and promise of the future team. Wood’s potential makes him a prospect to watch as the Olympics approach, emphasizing the blend of youthful promise and experienced grit.
The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are shaping up to be a landmark event for baseball. The possibility of MLB stars participating brings renewed attention and enthusiasm to the sport's return to the Olympic fold. With a mix of seasoned stars such as Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, and the vibrant potentials of players like Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr., and Paul Skenes, the stage is set for an exhilarating chapter in Olympic baseball history.