As the world eagerly anticipates the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the revival of baseball as an Olympic sport has added a layer of excitement that's hard to ignore. After its absence from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics, baseball is set to make a significant return. What makes this resurgence even more intriguing is the potential participation of Major League Baseball stars, a move that might see some of the sport’s biggest names representing their countries on the global stage for the first time.
MLB Stars Eye the Olympic Stage
Two of the sport’s most prominent figures, Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, have already expressed their enthusiasm about the possibility of playing for Team USA. Harper, who will be 35 years old in 2028, has voiced his excitement about the opportunity. Reflecting on the potential of representing his country, he said, "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad."
Judge, who will turn 36 in 2028, also shares this sentiment. Known for his explosive power and significant impact on the game, Judge has been on a tear since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022, amassing an OPS north of 1.100 and smashing 137 homers in just 363 games. His inclusion would undoubtedly elevate the profile and performance of Team USA in the tournament.
Youth Prospects Ready to Shine
The excitement isn't just limited to the established stars, though. A cohort of younger talents is poised to potentially represent the United States in 2028. Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 years old, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, are among the next generation of players who could leave their mark on the Olympics. Casas, having demonstrated his prowess with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 home runs in just 181 games with the Boston Red Sox, is certainly one to watch.
Another talent, Jackson Holliday, who will be 24 years old, has already made his debut in the majors at just 20. Gunnar Henderson (27 in 2028) and Bobby Witt Jr. (28 in 2028) are also expected to be in their prime by the time the Los Angeles Games roll around. Witt Jr., currently an MVP candidate in the American League at 24, exemplifies the caliber of young talent that could bolster the U.S. roster.
The Future Pitching Star
On the mound, Paul Skenes is a name to remember. Regarded as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes will be 26 years old in 2028. His inclusion could provide Team USA with a formidable presence in the pitching department, offering a mix of youth and skill that could prove decisive in high-stakes matches.
Rebuilding Baseball's Olympic Legacy
While the return of baseball to the Olympics is a significant story in itself, the participation of Major League stars could mark a new chapter in the sport’s Olympic history. The last time baseball was featured in the Olympics, it failed to capture the same level of attention as other sports due to the absence of top-level talent from MLB. This time, things could be vastly different.
With stars like Harper and Judge leading the charge and a strong supporting cast from the younger generation, the 2028 Summer Olympics is shaping up to be a landmark event for baseball. As the athletes prepare and the excitement builds, fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see how these remarkable talents will perform on one of the biggest stages in sports.