The anticipation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles intensifies with every passing day, as major changes and exciting possibilities loom on the horizon. Major League Baseball is considering the participation of its star players in the Olympics for the first time, an inclusion that is poised to bring a new level of excitement to the global sports spectacle.
Baseball enthusiasts were disappointed by the sport’s absence from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics. However, the announcement of baseball's return in 2028 has already begun to generate a buzz. Among the plethora of stars expressing their enthusiasm for the chance to represent Team USA is Bryce Harper. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," reveals the 2021 National League MVP with a blend of anticipation and national pride.
Star-Studded Lineup
Harper, who will be 35 years old when the games commence, isn't the only baseball luminary excited about the 2028 Olympics. Aaron Judge, another key figure in Major League Baseball, has also conveyed his eagerness to don the national colors. "It's something every player dreams of – representing their country on such a prestigious platform," Judge shared. By 2028, Judge will be 36 years old.
The prospect of seeing these two stalwarts of the game, among others, representing Team USA brings a certain excitement to the event. Aaron Judge’s performance since his 30th birthday has been particularly remarkable, boasting an OPS north of 1.100 and amassing 137 homers in just 363 games.
Younger stars are also expected to bring fresh energy to the Olympic team. Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 in 2028, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, represent the next wave of talent. Casas, in particular, has impressed with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in just 181 games with the Boston Red Sox.
The Rising Generation
The excitement extends beyond just the seasoned players. The potential for inclusion of younger prospects adds a layer of depth and intrigue. Jackson Holliday, a 20-year-old who recently made his major league debut, is one such prospect. By 2028, he will be 24 years old and likely to have established himself as a key player. Similarly, Gunnar Henderson will be 27 years old, while Bobby Witt Jr., an MVP candidate in the American League at 24, will be in his prime at 28.
Riley Greene, who will be 27, and James Wood, a current top-10 overall prospect in the high minors at 21, are also part of the conversation, offering a rich blend of youthful vigor and high potential. As these players develop over the next few years, their readiness and ability to compete on the Olympic stage will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.
Pitching Potential
On the mound, Paul's Skenes is a name to watch. Widely considered the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes will be 26 in 2028. His presence could provide Team USA with a significant advantage, given his potential to become one of the game’s premier pitchers.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent, the potential lineup for Team USA in the 2028 Olympics looks promising. The possibility of including top-tier Major League players ensures that the competition will be fierce and the games will be more thrilling than ever.
The return of baseball to the Olympics and the enthusiastic response from players reflect the sport’s enduring global appeal. As the countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles continues, the anticipation for baseball's grand re-entry onto the Olympic stage grows, promising a landmark event for both players and fans.