Baseball and softball enthusiasts faced disappointment with the announcement that these sports would be omitted from the Olympic program in Paris in 2024. However, fans have a silver lining to look forward to: Baseball is anticipated to return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This return could be made more memorable by the potential inclusion of Major League Baseball (MLB) players, a prospect that has garnered support from both fans and players alike.
MLB Players Eyeing Olympic Participation
Currently, MLB excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. This restriction has prompted prominent players, such as Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, to publicly support the idea of MLB stars competing at the Olympics. Joining the chorus is Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, who has expressed a strong desire to represent his country on the Olympic stage.
"I'd love to play," said Judge. "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, who has never had the opportunity to represent the United States internationally as an amateur, sees the 2028 Olympics as a prime chance. "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'd 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.
Commitment to New York, Eyes on 2028
While Judge's commitment to the Yankees remains steadfast – having inked a nine-year contract with the team – he is hopeful that he could balance both endeavors. "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."
Potential Impact on the MLB
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has reflected a flexible mindset regarding the participation of MLB players in the Olympics. His stance, described as "open-minded," signals a possible shift that might see league players donning national colors in future Olympic games.
Reflecting on past instances, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This pause allowed its players to compete and eventually win a gold medal, showcasing how effective and beneficial the allowance for league players can be.
Aaron Judge's Stellar Performance
Beyond his aspirations for Olympic glory, Judge has been making headlines with his exceptional performance in the MLB. This season, he boasts an impressive slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs. In comparison, during the same number of team games in 2022, Judge hit .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs. Such consistent performance at a high level not only underscores his talent but also enhances his potential impact should he compete in the Olympics.
Looking to the Future
As baseball eyes its return to the Olympics in 2028, the involvement of MLB players like Judge could elevate the competition's profile and intensity. Judge, who will be 36 years old during the 2028 Games, remains optimistic about his chances of representing the United States. "Hopefully, now I can make the cut," he reiterated.
With the Brisbane Olympics slated for 2032, the landscape of Olympic baseball continues to evolve. Fans and players alike eagerly await confirmation on the eligibility of MLB stars for the Los Angeles Games. If the potential becomes reality, the 2028 Olympics could witness a unique blend of international talent and MLB excellence, making it a memorable event for baseball aficionados worldwide.