The excitement surrounding the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is reaching new heights with the potential return of baseball, and for the first time, Major League Baseball (MLB) might allow its stars to participate in the Games. This possibility has stirred enthusiasm among some of the biggest names in the sport.
MLB Stars Ready for Olympic Glory
Among those eagerly anticipating a chance to represent their country is Bryce Harper. The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder has expressed his enthusiasm for suiting up for Team USA. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," said Harper, whose passion for the game is well-documented.
Another marquee player, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, has also shared his excitement. Judge, who has been a dominant force in the MLB since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022, hopes to don the Team USA jersey in the upcoming Olympics. With an OPS north of 1.100 and 137 homers in 363 games since turning 30, Judge’s potential participation adds significant star power to the event.
The Return of Baseball
Baseball was notably absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics, but it is set to make a return in the 2028 Games. This decision has reignited the dreams of players and fans alike, eager to see baseball on the global stage once again.
If MLB allows its stars to take part, it could mean a squad filled with household names. Harper, who will be 35 in 2028, and Judge, who will be 36, would bring veteran experience and unmatched skill to the roster. They are not alone in their excitement; young talents also see this as a moment to shine.
Emerging Talent on the Horizon
The future of Team USA's roster could also include rising stars like Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 in 2028, and Triston Casas, who will be 28. Casas, in particular, has shown immense promise with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox. Similarly, Jackson Holliday, a 20-year-old who recently made his major league debut, will be 24 by the time of the Olympics, bringing youthful energy and fresh talent to the team.
Other notable young players include Gunnar Henderson, who will be 27, and Bobby Witt Jr., an MVP candidate in the American League at just 24 years old, who will be 28 in 2028. Riley Greene, who will also be 27, and James Wood, currently a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors at 21, are among the names generating excitement as potential Olympic stars.
The Pitching Prospects
On the pitching side, all eyes are on Paul Skenes, the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. By 2028, Skenes will be 26, possibly in the prime of his career, and his inclusion could be a game-changer for Team USA.
The return of baseball to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles is more than just a long-awaited event; it is a dream for many baseball players who have longed to represent their country on such a prestigious platform. Harper’s and Judge’s excitement is echoed by fans and players alike, marking the countdown to what could be one of the most memorable additions to the Olympic Games.
As the 2028 Summer Olympics approach, the potential lineup for Team USA is shaping up to be one for the ages, blending the experience of seasoned stars with the vitality of young talent. The world will be watching as these American athletes strive for gold, ready to showcase the very best of Major League Baseball on an international stage.