Baseball enthusiasts around the world were met with mixed emotions upon learning that baseball and softball would not be featured in the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, there is a silver lining on the horizon, as the sport is anticipated to return for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This decision has reignited a debate among fans, players, and officials about whether Major League Baseball (MLB) players should be allowed to participate in the Olympics.
Currently, MLB excludes players on 40-man rosters from Olympic participation. This policy has faced criticism from several high-profile athletes who have expressed a strong desire to represent their countries on the world stage. Among the most vocal supporters are Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, who have publicly stated their advocacy for MLB players competing in the 2028 Olympics. Another voice joining this chorus is that of Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees.
Aaron Judge’s Olympic Aspirations
Aaron Judge, a key player for the Yankees, has shared his enthusiasm for the possibility of playing in the 2028 Olympics. When asked about his interest, Judge stated, "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."
Judge’s current performance adds weight to his aspirations. He is boasting a remarkable slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season. Comparatively, at the same point in 2022, Judge had a slash line of .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs, showcasing his consistent excellence. The star player’s skills and experience could undeniably make a significant impact on Team USA’s chances in 2028.
Nevertheless, Judge remains focused on his primary commitment to the New York Yankees. "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," he emphasized.
The Stance of MLB and Other Leagues
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has taken a somewhat open stance on the issue. When approached about the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics, he described his attitude as "open-minded." This comment has given hope to many who wish to see top MLB talent participate in the Games.
In contrast to MLB’s current policy, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) approached the 2021 Tokyo Olympics differently, pausing its season to allow players to compete. This strategy paid off, with Japan clinching the gold medal in baseball. The success of NPB’s approach adds a compelling argument for MLB to consider revising its stance.
Looking Ahead to 2028 and Beyond
The anticipation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is already building, especially among baseball fans who hope to see their favorite MLB stars on the international stage. The potential for changes to MLB’s current participation policy is an ongoing conversation that could reshape the future of the sport in the Olympics.
As the discussion continues, players like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Shohei Ohtani will keep advocating for their right to compete. Their participation could bring a new level of excitement and global attention to Olympic baseball, much like NPB's players did in the 2021 Tokyo Games.
With Los Angeles set to host and Brisbane, Australia, following as the 2032 Summer Olympics host city, the next decade promises to be an exciting time for baseball's presence on the world stage. The coming years will undoubtedly see further developments as stakeholders in and around MLB work towards a resolution that may allow the world’s best baseball players to vie for Olympic gold.