The 2024 Paris Olympics will witness the absence of baseball and softball, leaving fans and athletes alike disappointed. However, all hopes are not lost as baseball enthusiasts anticipate the sport’s return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The prospect of Major League Baseball (MLB) players joining the competition has been a critical topic of discussion, with top players and officials weighing in on the matter.
Currently, the MLB's policy excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, but there is significant momentum building for change. High-profile athletes like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have expressed their strong support for MLB players being allowed to join the 2028 Olympic roster. Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, has also shared his aspiration to compete, provided the eligibility rules change.
Athletes Express Their Desires
Judge, who is currently enjoying an impressive season with a .321/.456/.691 slash line and 41 home runs, has voiced a passionate desire to represent his country. "I'd love to play," Judge said. "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."
Reflecting on his journey, Judge added, "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." The yearning to don the Team USA jersey resonates deeply with Judge, and his excitement is palpable.
Judge currently stands out not only for his performance this season but for his consistency, hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs in the same number of team games in 2022. At the age of 36 during the 2028 Olympics, Judge could potentially be in the twilight of his career, making this opportunity even more significant for him.
A Commitment to New York
Having signed a nine-year contract with the New York Yankees, Judge's primary commitment remains to his team. He acknowledged this, saying, "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." He reiterated the importance of his priorities, stating, "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's Open-Minded Outlook
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has shown an open-minded stance regarding the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. His succinct comment, "Open-minded," reflects the door being ajar for further discussions and potential policy revisions. This can be seen as an encouraging sign for both players and fans who are eager to see the best talents compete on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Japan's experience during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics could serve as a compelling model. The country's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) paused its season, allowing players to participate and eventually secure a gold medal in baseball. This decision was met with nationwide acclaim and could potentially influence MLB's approach to the 2028 Olympics.
As the countdown to the Los Angeles Olympics continues, the conversation around MLB players' participation will undoubtedly intensify. Eyes will be on decision-makers to see whether they will pave the way for stars like Aaron Judge to finally get their chance to shine on the Olympic stage, representing their countries and adding another prestigious chapter to their storied careers.
The future of baseball in the Olympics holds much promise, and with the possibility of including talents from MLB, the excitement and competitive spirit of the games could reach new heights.