Baseball and softball enthusiasts faced disappointing news when it was confirmed that the two sports will be absent from the Olympic program in Paris in 2024. However, there's hope on the horizon with the anticipation of baseball making a comeback in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This resurgence has sparked conversations and garnered support from some of Major League Baseball's (MLB) biggest stars, who are eager to showcase their talent on the international stage.
One of the prominent voices advocating for the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics is New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge. The idea of donning the Team USA jersey holds a special place for the outfielder, who has never had the opportunity to represent his country in international competition. "I'd love to play," Judge exclaimed. "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."
The enthusiasm shared by Judge is echoed by other MLB luminaries, including Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, who have also publicly expressed their desire to compete in the Olympics. The potential inclusion of these high-caliber athletes could elevate the tournament to new heights, bringing additional excitement and viewership.
However, current MLB regulations pose an obstacle. Players on 40-man rosters are currently prohibited from participating in the Olympics, a rule that has prevented many top players from competing. Judge, who will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, holds out hope that this policy might change in the near future. "Maybe four years down the road, hopefully I can still make the team and get an opportunity to play," he said.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has hinted at a possible shift in policy, stating that he remains "open-minded" about the inclusion of MLB players in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Any change would require coordination between MLB, the MLB Players Association, and the International Olympic Committee. The precedent set by Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where the league paused its season allowing players to compete and ultimately win a gold medal, provides a potential model for how MLB could approach the issue.
Judge's performance this season has been nothing short of stellar, boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs. This is in comparison to his stats from last year's corresponding period when he hit .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs. His elite prowess underscores the impact he could have in international play. Given his unwavering commitment to the Yankees, highlighted by his recently inked nine-year contract, Judge's primary focus remains on what he can achieve in New York. "But right now for me, my focus is here," Judge asserted, reflecting his dedication to bringing a championship back to Yankee Stadium.
While the MLB remains uncertain about its players' involvement in 2028, the Brisbane Summer Olympics set for 2032 might also offer another opportunity for MLB stars to participate, extending the window for those who wish to experience the honor of representing their country.
Fans around the globe await with bated breath, hoping to see their favorite MLB players on the Olympic stage. If baseball indeed returns to the Olympics in 2028, and MLB players are granted permission to partake, it could become one of the marquee events of the Games, blending national pride with the thrill of competitive excellence.