The 2028 Summer Olympics, scheduled to be held in Los Angeles, have already started generating excitement in the world of sports, particularly with the much-anticipated return of baseball. This revival has created a buzz, especially with the possibility that Major League Baseball (MLB) stars might participate for the first time in Olympic history.
Baseball's Return to the Global Stage
Baseball enthusiasts were disappointed when the sport was absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics. However, the upcoming Los Angeles Games promise to be different, marking a notable return for baseball. This resurgence has caught the attention of many MLB players, including some of the biggest names in the sport.
Players Express Their Excitement
Bryce Harper, one of the premier talents in baseball, has not hidden his enthusiasm about the potential of representing the United States on an Olympic platform. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad,” revealing just how significant this opportunity is for him.
Similarly excited is Aaron Judge, another MLB superstar, who has expressed his eagerness to don the Team USA jersey in 2028. Both players, who have been instrumental in their respective teams, seem ready to take their talents to the international stage.
Age Will Be Just a Number
By the time the 2028 Olympics arrive, some of these star players will be well into their 30s. Bryce Harper will be 35 years old, while Aaron Judge will be 36. Despite their advancing age, both players have shown no signs of slowing down. Harper’s passion and Judge’s impressive stats since his 30th birthday, which include an OPS (on-base plus slugging) over 1.100 and 137 homers in just 363 games, affirm their ongoing prowess and dedication to the game.
Future Stars Ready to Shine
While established stars like Harper and Judge generate much of the excitement, the 2028 Olympics also present a stage for younger talent to make their mark. Players like Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 in 2028, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, are seen as significant assets for Team USA. Casas, in particular, has been impressive with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in 181 games for the Boston Red Sox.
Other notable players include Jackson Holliday, who will be 24 in 2028 and has recently made his major league debut, and Gunnar Henderson, who will be 27. These young stars represent the next generation of baseball talent and are poised to gain invaluable experience on the Olympic stage.
Brimming with Potential
Bobby Witt Jr., who is just 24 and already an American League MVP candidate, will be 28 by the time the Los Angeles Olympics take place. His potential inclusion in Team USA's roster could provide a significant boost. Riley Greene, who will turn 27, and James Wood, a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors at the age of 21, further outline the depth of talent that the U.S. could deploy.
In the realm of pitching, Paul Skenes, who will be 26 in 2028, is regarded as one of the most hyped pitching prospects since Stephen Strasburg, adding a robust option to the roster's pitching unit.
The collective experience and youthful vigor of these players could make Team USA a formidable opponent in the competition. The return of baseball to the Olympic fold not only reprises the sport’s standing on the international stage but also provides MLB players with a rare and prestigious opportunity to showcase their skills to a global audience.
As anticipation builds towards the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, the blend of seasoned legends and rising stars promises an enthralling chapter in the story of baseball's return to the Olympic Games. The excitement of both players and fans alike reflects the universal appeal of the sport and the unique honor that comes with representing one's country on such a grand stage.