The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games are set to feature a historic return for baseball, igniting discussions on whether Major League Baseball (MLB) players will be allowed to participate. As MLB currently excludes players on 40-man rosters from the Olympics, star athletes like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have voiced their support for inclusion in the upcoming games.
A prominent figure in this discourse is New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge. Judge, who is currently having an impressive season with a slash line of .321/.456/.691 and 41 home runs, has expressed his desire to represent the United States on the Olympic stage. Reflecting on his career and opportunities missed during his amateur days, Judge stated, "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."
The sentiment shared by Judge reflects a deeper aspiration within the MLB community, where the chance to compete for Olympic gold is viewed as a prestigious honor. Despite this, the current policy barring top MLB players from Olympic competition remains a significant barrier. Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated an “open-minded” stance on the issue, leaving room for potential policy changes as the 2028 games approach.
Judge will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, a fact that underscores the urgency in his plea. The nine-year contract he signed with the Yankees signifies his long-term commitment to New York, highlighting a delicate balance between his professional obligations and national pride. "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," Judge said. "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."
Drawing parallels from international counterparts, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) set a precedent by pausing its season to allow players to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This decision led to Japan securing a gold medal in baseball, a testament to the potential success of integrating league talent into the Olympic roster. The pause in the NPB schedule demonstrates a model that MLB could consider as it deliberates the best path forward.
As the countdown to the 2028 Olympics continues, the conversation around MLB player participation gains momentum. The return of baseball to the Los Angeles games provides a unique opportunity for American players to shine on home soil, potentially redefining how the sport integrates with global events. Observing Japan's successful formula, combined with the athletes' fervent support and Commissioner Manfred’s openness, it is plausible that a shift in policy may occur.
The stakes are high, not only for the players but for the sport itself, which stands to gain increased visibility and a broader fan base through Olympic participation. The inclusion of elite players like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Shohei Ohtani could elevate the excitement and competitiveness of the event, fostering a richer sporting experience for fans worldwide.
Meanwhile, Brisbane, Australia is set to host the Summer Olympics in 2032, potentially continuing the trend of baseball's presence in the Olympic program. As baseball enthusiasts eagerly await official decisions, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could mark a pivotal moment for the sport, bridging the gap between MLB and international competition.
For now, the baseball community remains in a state of anticipation, with eyes set on the potential inclusion of MLB’s finest in the 2028 Olympics. The narrative is evolving, and as more voices join the cause, the dream of seeing America’s top baseball talent compete on the Olympic stage inches closer to reality.