As the world gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, baseball and softball enthusiasts will have to satisfy their cravings elsewhere, as both sports are left out of the Olympic program. However, hope is on the horizon for fans of America's pastime. Baseball is widely anticipated to make a triumphant return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, a decision that has already sparked excitement and speculation within the baseball community.
Adding to this anticipation is the current stance of Major League Baseball (MLB) on player participation. Presently, MLB excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, a restriction that has drawn public support for change from several high-profile players. Among those advocating for MLB player inclusion in the Olympics are superstars Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, who have both expressed their enthusiasm for seeing MLB talent on the global stage.
Aaron Judge's Olympic Aspirations
Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, has also voiced his eagerness to don the Team USA jersey in 2028. Judge, who is currently boasting an impressive slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, has articulated his desire to represent his country. "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," Judge said. "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 2028 Olympics could present a unique chance for Judge, who will be 36 years old by then, to fulfill a long-held dream. "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," Judge added. Despite his aspirations, Judge remains committed to his current role with the Yankees, especially after signing a nine-year contract with the team.
"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," Judge emphasized. "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."
The Path Forward for MLB Players
The sentiment expressed by Judge underscores the broader discussion around MLB's participation in the Olympics. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated an "open-minded" stance on the potential inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. This developmental outlook provides a glimmer of hope for those advocating for the change, inspired by the precedent set during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. During those games, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball paused its season, allowing players to compete and secure a gold medal in baseball.
Looking beyond Los Angeles, the Summer Olympics in 2032 will take place in Brisbane, Australia, further presenting opportunities for baseball to cement its return to the global sports arena. The decision to include or exclude professional players significantly impacts how nations can field competitive teams, potentially altering the dynamics of the medal race.
As 2028 nears, the debate over MLB players in the Olympics will likely intensify. With influential players like Harper, Ohtani, and Judge leading the charge, the dialogue between MLB, its players, and international sports governing bodies will be crucial in shaping the future of baseball in the Olympics. It remains to be seen whether the ruling will change, but one thing is clear: the passion and dedication of baseball’s top talent to represent their country on the world's biggest stage is unwavering.