MLB Stars Eye 2028 Olympics Amid Eligibility Hopes
Baseball and softball will not be part of the Olympic program in Paris in 2024, but the diamond is set to shine brighter in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This anticipated return has sparked excitement among Major League Baseball (MLB) stars, who are hopeful they might have a shot at Olympic glory.
One of the most vocal proponents for MLB player participation is the New York Yankees' star outfielder, Aaron Judge. Despite MLB's current restriction that excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, there's a growing movement to change this rule by 2028. Judge, who will be 36 years old during the Los Angeles Games, has not shied away from expressing his aspirations to don the Team USA jersey.
Judge, currently under a nine-year contract with the Yankees, commented, "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."
While championing the cause for 2028, Judge remains committed to his current role. "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," Judge added.
Voices of Support and Key Performances
Judge's sentiments resonate with other top-tier baseball players like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, who have also advocated for MLB player inclusion in the Olympics. Their support underscores a broader desire among elite players to represent their countries on the sport's grandest stage.
Judge's current performance certainly adds weight to his aspirations. Boasting an impressive slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, Judge's prowess at the plate is undeniable. Comparatively, during the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs, showcasing his consistent dominance in the field.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has adopted an open-minded stance regarding the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. This outlook provides a glimmer of hope that the policy excluding 40-man roster players might be reconsidered. Manfred’s receptiveness might pave the way for a seismic shift that could see the world’s best baseball talent converging on Los Angeles.
Global Context and Recent History
Internationally, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) set a precedent during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics by pausing its season. This allowed its players to compete and ultimately clinch a gold medal in baseball, a victory that could inspire MLB's decision-makers. The success of the NPB players highlights the potential advantages of allowing elite talent to compete at the Olympics, both for the sport and for national pride.
The anticipation surrounding the Los Angeles Olympics is also bolstered by the strategic value of having MLB players participate. Their involvement could attract a significant viewership and resonate deeply with fans, thus enhancing the spectacle of the event. The trend of including top-tier professional athletes in the Olympics has historically amplified the event's prestige and competitive spirit.
In 2032, Brisbane, Australia, will host the Summer Olympics, yet the immediate focus remains on what could transpire in Los Angeles. As the dialogue continues and support from influential players mounts, the prospect of seeing Judge, Harper, Ohtani, and others representing their nations is an enticing possibility. It could mark a landmark moment for baseball on the Olympic stage, reminiscent of the 'Dream Team' era that rejuvenated basketball at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
With the convergence of elite talent and the spotlight of the Olympics, baseball's return in 2028 promises to be a defining chapter in the sport's storied history. Whether Judge and his peers will get to seize this moment largely hinges on forthcoming decisions and the commitment of baseball's governing bodies to embrace this global opportunity.