Olympic Baseball Returns in 2028, MLB Stars Eye Participation
The 2028 Summer Olympics, set to take place in Los Angeles, promise to be a monumental event for sports fans worldwide. Among the various sports making a return, baseball stands out, as the sport has been absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics. The reintroduction of baseball is creating a buzz, and Major League Baseball (MLB) stars might take to the Olympic stage for the first time in history.
MLB Stars Express Excitement
Among the players excited about the prospect of competing in the Olympics is Bryce Harper, who will be 35 years old in 2028. Harper, a key figure in MLB, has enthusiastically expressed his desire to represent the United States, saying, "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad."
Similarly, Aaron Judge, another prominent player in MLB, is looking forward to the opportunity. Judge, who will be 36 years old in 2028, has made it clear that he is excited about the chance to don the Team USA jersey. Judge's performance continues to be stellar, with an OPS north of 1.100 since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022, and 137 home runs in just 363 games over the same period.
Baseball's Prominent Young Stars
It's not just the veterans who are thrilled about the Olympic opportunity; younger stars are also gearing up for a potential appearance. Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 in 2028, Triston Casas, who will be 28, and Jackson Holliday, who will be 24, are among the talented players who could represent the United States. Holliday, a rising star at just 20 years old, recently made his major league debut and is eager to make his mark on the international stage.
Additionally, Gunnar Henderson, who will be 27 years old in 2028, and Bobby Witt Jr., an MVP candidate in the American League at the age of 24, also have their sights set on the Olympics. Witt Jr. will be 28 by the time the Los Angeles Games roll around, and his skills could be a significant asset to Team USA.
Evaluating Up-and-Coming Talent
Riley Greene, another bright talent who will be 27 in 2028, joins the list of potential Olympians. The prospect pipeline for the United States looks robust, with James Wood, a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors, just 21 years old but already showing great promise. Paul Skenes, considered the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, will be 26 in 2028, adding depth to what could be a formidable U.S. lineup.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
For baseball fans and athletes, the return of baseball to the Olympics is a long-awaited comeback. The last time baseball was featured in the Summer Olympics was in 2008 in Beijing. The absence of baseball in the intervening years has left a gap that many are eager to fill. The potential participation of MLB stars in the 2028 Games adds an extra layer of excitement, promising high-level competition and a showcase of some of the best talents in the world.
The Anticipation Builds
As the countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics continues, the anticipation grows. The possibility of witnessing MLB stars like Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge compete on a global stage is a thrilling prospect for fans. Young talents like Triston Casas, Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr., Riley Greene, James Wood, and Paul Skenes only add to the excitement and promise of what could be one of the most memorable Olympic baseball tournaments in history.
The road to Los Angeles 2028 is still long, but the excitement is palpable. Baseball's return to the Olympics, coupled with the potential participation of MLB stars, promises to make the 2028 Games an unforgettable event for sports enthusiasts around the globe.