Baseball's Anticipated Return to the Olympics in 2028
The 2028 Summer Olympics, set to be held in Los Angeles, are generating a buzz in the baseball community, as the sport gears up for a significant comeback. Perhaps one of the most exciting developments is the potential participation of Major League Baseball (MLB) stars in the Games for the first time. This move would mark a dramatic shift from recent history, where baseball was notably absent from the Paris Summer Olympics.
Enthusiasts of the game can rejoice as baseball returns to the Olympic stage, offering a platform for players to showcase their talents on an international scale. This possibility has already sparked excitement among some of MLB's top stars.
Among the eager players is Bryce Harper. The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, who will be 35 years old in 2028, is fervently anticipating the chance to represent the United States. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," he shared, highlighting his enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Aaron Judge, another luminary of the sport, has expressed similar sentiments. By the time of the 2028 Games, Judge will be 36 years old. The New York Yankees' powerhouse has had a remarkable career post-30, maintaining an OPS north of 1.100 and smashing 137 homers in just 363 games since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022. Judge’s accomplishments on the field set high expectations for his potential performance in the Olympics.
Beyond Harper and Judge, a younger cohort of MLB talent is also likely to take the field in Los Angeles. Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 years old in 2028, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, are among the promising players. Casas, in particular, has shown impressive statistics, posting an OPS+ of 127 and belting 35 homers in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox. His continued development will be one to watch as the Olympics approach.
The next generation of players also holds immense promise. Jackson Holliday, who recently made his major league debut at age 20, will be 24 in 2028. Similarly, Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., who will be 27 and 28 years old respectively, are expected to be key figures. Witt Jr., already a standout performer at the age of 24, is an MVP candidate in the American League, underscoring his potential impact on an Olympic roster.
Riley Greene, who will be 27 in 2028, and James Wood, a top-10 overall prospect currently at 21, add to the depth of talent ready to represent Team USA. Another player generating significant anticipation is Paul Skenes. Skenes, who will be 26 in 2028, is heralded as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, indicating his potential to be a game-changer for the team.
As baseball prepares for its return to the Olympic stage, the excitement is palpable among both fans and players. The possibility of MLB stars participating adds an intriguing layer of competitiveness and spectacle to the Games. With seasoned veterans like Harper and Judge leading the charge, and a formidable group of young talent ready to leave their mark, the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles promise to be a historic event for baseball and its global following.