The countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics has begun, with Los Angeles being the chosen city to host the event. As the world gears up for this grand celebration of sports, a new wave of excitement is building around the return of baseball to the Olympic stage.
Major League Baseball Stars Eye Olympic Glory
For the first time, Major League Baseball (MLB) might allow its top stars to participate in the Summer Games, a move that could see some of the biggest names in the sport representing their countries. The excitement is palpable among players and fans alike, especially after baseball's absence from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics.
One of the most vocal proponents of this potential change is Bryce Harper. The Philadelphia Phillies' star has not hidden his enthusiasm, saying, "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad." Harper, who will be 35 years old in 2028, is looking forward to the chance to add an Olympic medal to his list of career achievements.
Similarly, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees has expressed his excitement about the prospect of playing for Team USA. Judge, who will be 36 years old in 2028, has been in phenomenal form, sporting an OPS north of 1.100 and smashing 137 homers in 363 games since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022. The prospect of seeing such a decorated player in the Olympics is a tantalizing one for baseball fans around the globe.
Future Stars in the Making
While seasoned veterans like Harper and Judge are generating buzz, the younger generation of baseball talent is also looking toward the 2028 Games with eager anticipation. Rising stars such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Bobby Witt Jr. are expected to be integral parts of their respective teams.
Rutschman, who will be 30 years old in 2028, has already shown flashes of his tremendous potential. Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., both of whom will be 27 and 28 respectively, are expected to be in the prime of their careers by the time the Olympics roll around. Witt Jr., currently an MVP candidate in the American League at the age of 24, could be a central figure for Team USA.
Triston Casas, another name to watch, will be 28 years old in 2028. Casas has been making waves with the Boston Red Sox, boasting an OPS+ of 127 and hitting 35 homers in just 181 games. His offensive prowess could provide a significant boost to the U.S. lineup.
Jackson Holliday, the youngest of the bunch at 24 in 2028, recently made his major league debut at the age of 20. His rapid rise through the ranks makes him a promising candidate for the Olympic roster. Alongside him, Riley Greene who will be 27, and James Wood, a top-10 overall prospect in the high minors and currently 21, round out a cohort of young athletes ready to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Pitching Prospects to Watch
On the mound, Paul Skenes is a name that stands out. Considered the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes will be 26 years old in 2028. His development will be closely watched as he aims to lead the pitching staff for Team USA.
These potential stars bring an added layer of excitement to the 2028 Summer Olympics. The prospect of seeing the best of Major League Baseball compete for Olympic gold is a thrilling one, promising to elevate the profile of both the sport and the Games.
As the anticipation builds, fans can only hope that the MLB and the International Olympic Committee can come to an agreement that will allow these extraordinary talents to shine on one of the biggest stages in sports. The return of baseball to the 2028 Summer Olympics, featuring some of the sport's most prominent figures, could very well be one of the highlights of the Games in Los Angeles.