In a surprising move for baseball and softball enthusiasts, both sports have been excluded from the Olympic program for the Paris 2024 Games. This decision has ruffled feathers among fans and athletes alike, but there is hope on the horizon. Baseball is anticipated to make its return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, potentially with a significant twist for Major League Baseball (MLB) players.
A Growing Call for Inclusion
Traditionally, MLB has not allowed players on 40-man rosters to participate in the Olympics. This policy has long been a point of contention among top-tier players, many of whom are eager to represent their countries on the international stage. The sentiment for change is evident among some of the MLB’s biggest stars.
Two of baseball's most prominent figures, Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, have publicly voiced their support for allowing MLB players to compete in the 2028 Olympics. This support echoes strongly among other players, including New York Yankees’ star outfielder Aaron Judge. Judge has been vocal about his aspirations, stating, "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."
Judge's Olympic Dream
Currently in the midst of an impressive season, Judge boasts a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs. His performance is even more remarkable when compared to last season, where at the same point, he had a .300/.397/.674 line with 46 home runs.
Judge, who will be 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, remains optimistic about his chances. He reflected on his past experiences, "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."
While representing his country is a significant aspiration, Judge maintains his primary focus on his current commitments with the Yankees. After signing a nine-year contract with the team, Judge said, "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 Stance and the 2028 Games
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has shown an openness to the idea of including MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. His stance could be instrumental in paving the way for changes in the league's policies regarding Olympic participation. Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball set a precedent by pausing their season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which allowed their players to compete and ultimately secure a gold medal in baseball.
The potential inclusion of MLB players like Judge, Harper, and Ohtani could greatly elevate the level of competition and global interest in the sport during the 2028 Games. While the final decision remains to be seen, the enthusiasm and readiness among the players suggest a compelling narrative unfolding as we approach the Los Angeles Olympics.
With a shift towards inclusivity, not only would MLB players get the chance to showcase their talent on one of the world's largest stages, but it could also bring a renewed vigor and excitement to the sport, drawing in fans from around the globe. The wait for the final verdict on this matter continues, but the baseball community remains hopeful and fervently supportive of this potential milestone in the game's history.