The journey of baseball and softball within the Olympic Games has seen several twists and turns over the past decades. As the world looks forward to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the absence of these beloved sports is palpable. However, baseball enthusiasts can take heart, knowing that the sport is anticipated to return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
A notable aspect of this potential comeback is the inclusion of Major League Baseball (MLB) players. Currently, MLB excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. This policy has sparked significant discussions among players, fans, and officials. Prominent MLB figures like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have voiced their support for MLB players' participation in the 2028 Olympics, aiming to see the top talents representing their countries on the grand stage.
Aaron Judge's Olympic Dreams
Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, has expressed his desire to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Judge is having an outstanding season, currently boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs. Reflecting on his career's trajectory and aspirations, Judge shared, "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. 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. 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."
The possibility of playing in the Olympics seems even more significant for Judge, considering his impressive career stats and newfound commitments. Signed to a nine-year contract with the Yankees, he acknowledges his current focus on bringing a championship back to New York. "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. 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," Judge stated.
MLB's Stance and International Comparisons
The sentiment among players is indeed strong, but how does MLB's leadership view this potential shift? MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has shown an "open-minded" stance regarding the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. This is a marked departure from the current policy and could pave the way for some of the game's brightest stars to shine on an international platform.
In contrast, Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) took a different approach during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics by pausing its season, allowing its players to compete and eventually win a gold medal in baseball. This precedent might influence MLB's decision-making process, showcasing the benefits of allowing league players to participate in the Olympics.
Looking to Los Angeles 2028
The anticipation for baseball's return to the Olympics is only set to grow as we approach the Los Angeles Games in 2028. For players like Aaron Judge, who will be 36 years old by then, it represents a unique opportunity to cap their illustrious careers with an Olympic appearance. His current season stats are a testament to his exceptional talent, mirroring his performance in 2022 where he was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs at the same point in the season.
The inclusion of MLB players in the Olympics could significantly elevate the competition's profile, drawing global audiences and highlighting the sport's international appeal. Australia, with Brisbane slated to host the Summer Olympics in 2032, might also benefit from the increased attention and development of baseball on the world stage.
In conclusion, the dialogue surrounding MLB players' participation in the 2028 Olympics continues to evolve. With influential figures like Aaron Judge and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicating their support, the future looks promising for baseball's Olympic ambitions. As the countdown to Los Angeles 2028 begins, the world watches with bated breath, hoping to see the stars of Major League Baseball finally take their place in the Olympic spotlight.