Baseball and softball enthusiasts were dealt a blow when these sports were excluded from the Olympic program for Paris 2024. However, there’s a silver lining on the horizon with the anticipated return of baseball at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This news has ignited discussions among MLB stars and fans alike, about the possibility of seeing Major League Baseball (MLB) players grace the Olympic stage.
The current MLB policy excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics. This rule has long been a point of contention, especially for athletes who dream of competing on the world stage. Among the voices rising in support of changing this policy are prominent MLB figures such as Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani. Their call for inclusion has resonated with fans and players alike.
Aaron Judge's Olympic Aspirations
Aaron Judge, the celebrated outfielder for the New York Yankees, has openly shared his desire to represent the United States in the 2028 Olympics. Speaking on the matter, Judge expressed his enthusiasm: "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 sentiment underscores a broader yearning among players who have not had the opportunity to don their national colors in international competition. His current impressive performance, boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, further fuels the notion that he would be a significant asset to Team USA.
Reflecting on his commitment to the Yankees, Judge noted, "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."
MLB's Potential Policy Shift
The possibility of MLB players participating in the Olympics gained momentum when MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated an open-minded stance on the matter. His willingness to consider changes to current policies has given hope to many that MLB stars might see action in the 2028 Games.
Supporting this notion is the precedent set by Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), which paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This allowed Japanese players to compete and ultimately win a gold medal in baseball, showcasing the significant impact that including professional players can have on the competition's quality and outcome.
Broader Implications
If MLB players like Aaron Judge are indeed allowed to compete in the 2028 Olympics, it would mark a historic shift for the sport. Given Judge's projected age of 36 during the Games, it raises questions about how players will balance peak performance with career longevity. However, Judge’s commitment to making an impact both for his country and in his professional career signals a promising future.
Looking ahead, the baseball community is eagerly anticipating how these discussions will unfold. With the Brisbane, Australia, set to host the Summer Olympics in 2032, the path set by the 2028 Games could influence the long-term relationship between MLB and the Olympic movement.
Ultimately, the prospect of seeing MLB greats on the Olympic stage has the potential to reignite global interest in baseball, offering unforgettable moments for fans and players alike. As the dialogue continues, the commitments made by influential figures like Aaron Judge will be integral in shaping the future of baseball at the Olympics.