The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles promise to be a landmark event, not only for the city but for the sport of baseball as well. For the first time, Major League Baseball (MLB) might allow its stars to participate in the Games, creating an unprecedented convergence of international athleticism and professional baseball talent.
Baseball's Triumphant Return
Baseball, which was noticeably absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics, is set to make its much-anticipated return in the 2028 Summer Olympics. This announcement has generated a whirlwind of excitement and speculation about which MLB stars could don their national colors and take to the diamond in Los Angeles. Among the standout prospects are some of the biggest names in the sport, including Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge.
Stars Align: Harper and Judge Speak Out
Bryce Harper, a perennial All-Star and two-time MVP, has expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of representing the United States. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," a quote that resonates deeply with his fans and followers who have long anticipated seeing him in an international spotlight.
Aaron Judge, another towering figure in baseball, has likewise shared his excitement over the possibility of playing for Team USA. Judge, who will be 36 years old in 2028, continues to swing a potent bat, boasting an OPS north of 1.100 since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022, and racking up 137 homers in 363 games during this period. These staggering statistics underscore the level of talent and leadership he would bring to the team.
Generational Talent: Young Stars Poised for Stardom
The potential Olympic roster might also feature a cadre of young baseball phenoms who embody the sport’s future. Adley Rutschman, an exceptional catcher, will be 30 years old in 2028. Triston Casas, who has already amassed an impressive OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox, will be 28 years old when the Olympic flame is lit in Los Angeles.
Jackson Holliday, who recently made his major league debut at age 20, will be 24 years old by the time the 2028 Olympics roll around. This Baltimore Orioles prospect represents the fresh wave of talent making their mark in MLB. Adding to this lineup is Gunnar Henderson, who will be 27 years old, and Bobby Witt Jr., a standout at just 24, who is already considered an MVP candidate in the American League.
A Pitching Marvel: Paul Skenes
On the mound, the United States could potentially showcase Paul Skenes, who is highly touted as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. Skenes will be 26 years old in 2028, likely entering the prime of his career, further bolstering Team USA’s chances for gold.
Rounding Out the Roster
Other notable names who might join the prospective 2028 Olympic team include Riley Greene, who will be 27 years old, and James Wood, a top-10 overall prospect currently in the high minors at 21. Their development over the next few years will be critical in securing their positions on what promises to be a star-studded roster.
The prospect of MLB players participating in the Olympics has sparked considerable excitement and debate among fans and analysts alike. The inclusion of these athletes would undoubtedly elevate the level of competition and bring a new dimension to the Games, enhancing global appreciation for the sport.
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles could mark a historic chapter for baseball, blending seasoned veterans with rising stars in an international showcase of talent and sportsmanship.