The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are set to mark a significant return for baseball, a sport that has been absent from the Games since the Paris Summer Olympics. The decision to bring baseball back to the Olympic stage has generated a wave of excitement, particularly among American MLB stars who might get their first chance to compete in this prestigious global event.
One of the most vocal proponents of this opportunity is Bryce Harper. The Philadelphia Phillies' star has expressed his enthusiasm for representing the United States in 2028. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," he said, clearly thrilled by the prospect of showcasing his talents on such a significant international platform. Harper, who will be 35 years old come the Los Angeles Games, remains one of the sport's premier talents and an inspirational figure for younger players.
Aaron Judge, another MLB giant, shares Harper's excitement. The New York Yankees' powerhouse, who will be 36 in 2028, has been in exceptional form, boasting an OPS north of 1.100 since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022. During this period, Judge has smacked an impressive 137 homers in 363 games, underscoring his elite status within the sport. His potential participation in the Olympics is seen as a thrilling prospect by fans and fellow players alike.
The infusion of veteran talent with promising young stars makes Team USA a potential powerhouse in the 2028 Olympics. Adley Rutschman, who will be 30, and Triston Casas, projected to be 28 by then, are among the younger players who could form the team's backbone. Casas, currently with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in 181 games for the Boston Red Sox, brings a combination of power and consistency.
Youthful energy and emerging talent perfect this blend. Jackson Holliday, who will be 24, recently made his major league debut, showcasing the promise that has him forecasted as one of baseball's next big stars. Gunnar Henderson, aged 27 by 2028, and MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr., who will be 28, add depth and dynamism to the squad. Witt, at just 24 years old, has already staked his claim as one of the American League’s standout performers.
Riley Greene, another young talent who will be 27 in 2028, along with 21-year-old top-10 prospect James Wood, indicate the breadth of talent available to Team USA. Pitching phenom Paul Skenes, who will be 26, is being hailed as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, potentially making the American roster formidable on both sides of the ball.
The return of baseball to the Olympics is not just about star power but also a nod to the sport's global growth and the established tradition of excellence that American baseball represents. Many see the inclusion of MLB stars in the Olympics as a way to elevate the competition’s quality and inspire a new generation of players worldwide.
For fans and players alike, the 2028 Summer Olympics promise to be an exciting chapter in baseball history. As the anticipation builds, we can look forward to seeing some of the game's greatest talents, both seasoned veterans and emerging prospects, donning the stars and stripes, potentially bringing Olympic gold back to the USA. The convergence of past, present, and future MLB talents in Los Angeles will likely enthrall baseball enthusiasts and further solidify the sport’s revered place on the Olympic stage.