Anticipation Builds for 2028 Summer Olympics as MLB Stars Express Excitement
With the 2028 Summer Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles, anticipation is already building for the return of baseball as an Olympic sport. After being absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics, there's growing excitement about the inclusion of baseball in the upcoming Games, particularly among Major League Baseball stars.
One of the key developments leading up to the 2028 Olympics is the potential participation of MLB's top talent. While MLB has previously not permitted its players to partake in the Olympics, there are strong indications that this stance might change. This would mark the first time MLB stars compete on the Olympic stage, bringing a new level of excitement and competition to the sport.
Among those most enthusiastic about this possibility is Bryce Harper. Known for his passion and competitive spirit, Harper has expressed his excitement about the chance to represent the United States. Reflecting on this opportunity, Harper shared, "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad." At the age of 35 in 2028, Harper's experience and talent would be invaluable to Team USA.
Aaron Judge, another marquee name in MLB, has also voiced his enthusiasm. Currently enjoying a stellar career, Judge has amassed 137 homers in 363 games since turning 30 on April 26, 2022, and maintains an OPS north of 1.100 since then. His potential participation in the Olympics would not only bolster Team USA’s lineup but also draw significant attention from fans worldwide. Judge, who will be 36 in 2028, looks forward to what could be a historic moment in his career.
The excitement doesn’t stop with Harper and Judge. A younger generation of MLB stars is also poised to make their mark on the Olympic stage. Promising talents like Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 years old in 2028, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, bring both youthful energy and significant experience. Casas, notably, has an OPS+ of 127 with 35 homers in 181 games for the Boston Red Sox, showcasing his potential to make a substantial impact.
Other rising stars set to shine include Jackson Holliday, who will be 24 years old in 2028. Recently making his major league debut at 20, Holliday represents the next generation of baseball talent. Gunnar Henderson (27 in 2028), Bobby Witt Jr. (28), Riley Greene (27), and James Wood, a notable top-10 overall prospect currently 21, all stand ready to bring their skills to the international stage.
Pitching prospects are not to be overlooked, with Paul Skenes receiving considerable attention. Regarded as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes will be 26 years old in 2028, positioning him perfectly to be a key player for Team USA’s pitching staff.
The potential inclusion of such a talented roster underscores the significance of baseball's return to the Olympics. Not only would it provide a platform for MLB’s elite to showcase their talents on an international stage, but it would also elevate the profile of the sport globally.
As the countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics begins, the baseball community and fans alike are eagerly watching developments unfold. The possibility of witnessing MLB's best players compete for Olympic gold is a tantalizing prospect, promising to add a thrilling chapter to the storied history of both the sport and the Games.