MLB Stars Eye 2028 LA Olympics Amid Potential Rule Changes
Baseball and softball enthusiasts expressed disappointment when these sports were left out of the Olympic program for the Paris 2024 Games. However, hopes are high for their return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with some Major League Baseball (MLB) players vocally advocating for their inclusion.
As it stands, MLB excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. This rule spurred public comments from prominent MLB stars, including Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, who have openly supported MLB players competing in the 2028 Olympics. Renowned New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has also shared his ambitions to play if the regulations are altered.
Aaron Judge's Olympic Aspirations
Judge, a key figure for the Yankees and currently displaying a remarkable slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, has not hidden his enthusiasm for the possibility of representing the United States on an Olympic stage. Reflecting on his aspirations, Judge said, "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."
Judge also highlighted a personal desire, having never been part of a Team USA camp as an amateur. "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."
Balancing Loyalty and Ambition
The star player, who recently signed a nine-year contract with the Yankees, balanced his Olympic ambition with a strong sense of duty to his current team. "It would be an honor to represent my country and play in that," Judge remarked. "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."
Commissioner Manfred's Perspective
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has shown a willingness to consider the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. Describing his stance as "open-minded," Manfred's comments have given hope to players and fans who wish to see top talents compete on the Olympic stage.
Interestingly, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) took a significant step by pausing its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, allowing its athletes to compete and ultimately win a gold medal in baseball. This move by NPB highlights a potential model for MLB to follow, ensuring that the sport's best talents can represent their nations in what is considered the pinnacle of international competition.
Looking Ahead to LA 2028
The possibility of MLB players participating in the 2028 Olympics has sparked a flurry of excitement within the baseball community. If the rules change, fans could witness an array of elite talents, including Aaron Judge, who would be 36 years old at that time, don their national colors for an unforgettable competition.
With Los Angeles set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, there's an added layer of significance for American players and fans alike. Baseball's return to the Olympic Games on home soil would not only rejuvenate interest in the sport internationally but also offer a platform for MLB stars to shine on a global stage.
As the 2028 Games approach, the baseball community will be keenly observing any updates regarding player eligibility. For now, the words of players like Aaron Judge and the open-minded approach of Commissioner Rob Manfred keep the dream alive for MLB's best to showcase their skills and patriotism in the Olympics.