As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, there is growing anticipation among baseball fans and players alike. With the sport set to make a return to the Games, the potential participation of Major League Baseball (MLB) stars has sparked considerable excitement. Baseball, absent from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics, is highly anticipated to be a marquee event in LA.
MLB Stars Eye Olympic Glory
Among the many celebrated players expressing enthusiasm for Olympic participation are Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge. Harper, who will be 35 in 2028, has consistently voiced his eagerness to don the United States uniform on the global stage. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," Harper said in a statement that underscores his patriotic zeal.
Aaron Judge, set to be 36 when the Games open, shares similar sentiments. With an OPS north of 1.100 and 137 homers in 363 games since turning 30, Judge remains a formidable presence at the plate. His enthusiasm for the potential to represent Team USA adds a new layer of excitement to the prospect of MLB participation in the Olympics.
The Next Generation
While seasoned players like Harper and Judge plan their Olympic debuts, the younger talent is also preparing to make a significant impact. Adley Rutschman will be 30 years old in 2028, perfectly poised at the peak of his career. Similarly, Triston Casas will be 28, bringing an impressive OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers from 181 games with the Boston Red Sox to the mix.
Jackson Holliday, who recently made his major league debut at the age of 20, will be 24 in 2028. Gunnar Henderson and Riley Greene, both highlighted talents, will be 27, while Bobby Witt Jr., an MVP candidate in the American League at just 24, will be 28. Each of these players represents the bright future of American baseball, blending youthful energy with elite skill.
Top Prospects on the Horizon
In addition to current stars, top prospects like James Wood and Paul Skenes are likely to make headlines. Wood, a highly-touted 21-year-old prospect, will be just entering his prime at 26. Paul Skenes, dubbed the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, will also be 26, potentially forming a dynamic duo that could bolster Team USA’s chances for gold.
Triston Casas, with his impressive early career stats, and Bobby Witt Jr., already an MVP candidate, exemplify the high caliber of talent that Team USA could field in 2028. These players not only embody the present and future of American baseball but also reflect the sport’s potential to captivate audiences on an international stage.
The Road to Los Angeles
As we edge closer to the 2028 Olympics, the buzz around baseball’s return continues to grow. The speculative inclusion of MLB stars promises to elevate the competition, providing a platform for some of the sport’s most electrifying talents. Fans and players alike are eager to see homegrown heroes like Harper, Judge, and a cadre of young phenoms take to the diamond in Los Angeles.
For now, the baseball community can only anticipate and prepare, hoping that the collaboration between MLB and the Olympic organizers will come to fruition. One thing is certain: the field in Los Angeles will be packed with talent, passion, and a shared dream of Olympic gold.
The anticipation for the 2028 Olympics serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of baseball and its capacity to unite fans around the world. With stars of today and tomorrow ready to shine, the return of baseball to the Summer Games promises to be a pivotal moment for the sport.