The anticipation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is building, and one of the most exciting prospects is the potential inclusion of Major League Baseball stars. If MLB players participate, it will mark the first time the sport's elite compete on such a global stage during the Olympics. This change comes after baseball was notably absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics.
Among those eagerly awaiting this development are some of the biggest names in professional baseball. Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge have both expressed significant enthusiasm about the possibility of representing the United States in the 2028 Olympics. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad." Harper, who will be 35 years old when the games commence, is looking forward to possibly adding an Olympic appearance to his storied career.
Aaron Judge, who will be 36 in 2028, shares Harper's excitement. Judge has been a dominant presence in the MLB, boasting an OPS north of 1.100 since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022, and amassing 137 homers in just 363 games during that span. His power and presence would undoubtedly bolster Team USA's roster.
Return of Baseball
Baseball's return to the Olympics is a major development for the sport. The potential inclusion of MLB players means that fans could see a roster filled with star power, akin to the dream teams assembled in other sports. The involvement of such high-caliber players can elevate the competition and bring much-needed attention and excitement to the baseball tournament.
Several young stars also stand to make a significant impact in 2028. Adley Rutschman will be 30 years old, Triston Casas 28, Jackson Holliday 24, Gunnar Henderson 27, Bobby Witt Jr. 28, and Riley Greene 27. These players represent the future of baseball, with each already making a name for themselves in the majors. Triston Casas, for instance, has posted an impressive OPS+ of 127 and has hit 35 homers in just 181 games with the Boston Red Sox.
Emerging Prospects
One of the most intriguing talents to watch is Jackson Holliday, who at 20 years old, recently made his major league debut. By 2028, he will be 24 and likely a more experienced and refined player, ready to shine on the international stage. Similarly, James Wood, currently a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors and just 21 years old, holds promise for being a pivotal player in the 2028 Olympics.
On the pitching side, Paul Skenes is generating buzz as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. At 26 years old in 2028, Skenes could provide the pitching staff with the kind of elite arm necessary to compete for gold.
Veterans and Young Stars Unite
The blend of seasoned veterans like Harper and Judge with emerging stars and highly touted prospects paints an exciting picture for Team USA. If MLB indeed allows its stars to participate, the lineup could be a formidable force, blending experience, power, and youthful energy.
Fans and players alike are looking forward to what could be a historic moment for baseball at the Olympics. The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles promise not only to bring back baseball but also to potentially feature a dream team that could compete at the highest level. For the sport and its followers, the potential for American MLB stars to go for gold adds an intriguing and highly anticipated storyline to the games.
The next few years will be crucial in determining the framework and final decisions regarding baseball's involvement in the Olympics. As the excitement builds, the possibility of seeing baseball's best compete on the Olympic stage remains a tantalizing prospect for sports fans around the world.