As the world looks forward to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, excitement is building over the potential return of Major League Baseball (MLB) to the international stage. For the first time, MLB stars might participate in the Games, reigniting passion for a sport that was conspicuously absent from the recent Paris Summer Olympics.
The Return of Baseball to the Olympics
Baseball enthusiasts and professional players alike are buzzing with anticipation about the sport's re-inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics. Notable athletes, including Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, have publicly expressed their eagerness to represent Team USA. Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad, a sentiment echoed by Judge, who has also expressed excitement at the chance to play for his country.
This prospective participation marks a significant milestone for baseball, which last featured in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The sport's absence from Paris was felt deeply by fans and players, making its scheduled return in Los Angeles all the more momentous.
Players to Watch
Several MLB stars will be at the prime or twilight of their careers by 2028, adding a layer of intrigue to the event. Bryce Harper, who will be 35 years old, and Aaron Judge, who will be 36, are expected to bring their veteran experience and high-caliber performances to the team. Judge in particular has shown remarkable resilience and skill, maintaining an OPS north of 1.100 and recording 137 homers in just 363 games since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022.
Another player to watch is Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 years old come the next Olympiad. The same holds true for Triston Casas, who will be 28 and has already showcased impressive stats, boasting an OPS+ of 127 and racking up 35 homers in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox.
The New Generation
The 2028 Olympics will not only feature seasoned athletes but also stand as a platform for emerging stars. Jackson Holliday, who just made his major league debut at the age of 20, will be 24 by then, potentially bringing fresh talent to the team. Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. are other young talents to keep an eye on, both of whom will be 27 and 28 years old, respectively. Witt Jr., an MVP candidate in the American League at the age of 24, will be at his peak performance by the time the games roll around.
Moreover, Riley Greene, James Wood, and Paul Skenes represent the future of American baseball. Greene will be 27, Wood, a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors, will turn 26, and Skenes, touted as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, will only be 26.
Anticipation and Excitement
This blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers promises to captivate audiences worldwide. The likes of Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge bring star power and proven success, while new talents like Jackson Holliday and James Wood offer excitement and the prospect of thrilling performances. The enthusiastic reception from players signals a renewed spirit and devotion to the sport, encapsulating the hope to see America's pastime flourish on a global scale once more.
As the 2028 Summer Olympics approach, the baseball community and its fans have much to be excited about. The potential involvement of MLB stars, combined with the return of baseball to the Games, sets the stage for a historic event, full of storied legacies and new beginnings. Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge may be nearing the ends of their careers, but their enthusiasm for representing their country is a testament to the deep-rooted passion that baseball ignites in its players, old and new alike.