As the sports world eagerly anticipates the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, some baseball aficionados will be left wanting, as both baseball and softball have been excluded from the lineup. However, an air of excitement still surrounds the potential inclusion of Major League Baseball (MLB) players when baseball is expected to make a triumphant return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
One of the chief advocates of MLB player participation in the 2028 Olympics is none other than New York Yankees' star outfielder, Aaron Judge. Currently showcasing a stellar season with a slash line of .321/.456/.691 and 41 home runs, Judge's aspirations for Olympic competition are clear. Speaking on the potential opportunity, Judge expressed his enthusiasm, "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." Reflecting on his past, he added, "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."
As the clock ticks down to 2028, Aaron Judge, who will be 36 by then, remains hopeful. While demonstrating his commitment to the Yankees, Judge acknowledged the allure of the Olympics, "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." His performance this season has been remarkable, outshining his 2022 stats where he batted .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs in the same number of team games.
Judge isn't the only MLB luminary voicing support for Olympic participation. Superstars like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have also been vocal advocates. Historically, MLB has excluded players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, a stance that has come under scrutiny. The question of eligibility remains a hot topic among players and fans alike.
Reviving hopes for fans, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated an open-minded approach toward including MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. When asked about the possibility, Manfred succinctly stated, "Open-minded." This is a departure from the traditional stance, infusing optimism and potential into the conversation.
The anticipation is also fueled by international precedents. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) took the significant step of pausing its season, allowing its players to compete. This strategy paid dividends, leading to Japan's gold medal victory. This decision by NPB has set a powerful precedent and could influence future decisions made by MLB.
Looking even further ahead, the 2032 Summer Olympics will be hosted by Brisbane, Australia. However, all eyes are now firmly fixed on Los Angeles 2028, where the prospect of MLB stars gracing the Olympic stage has fans dreaming of baseball glory.
As discussions continue, the possibility of seeing MLB players compete in the Olympics brings a new dimension to the sport. The potential synergy between professional leagues and the Olympic Games could lead to a golden era for baseball, uniting global fans and elevating the sport to new heights.