With baseball and softball left out of the 2024 Paris Olympic program, attention now shifts to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where baseball is set to make its return. This announcement has generated significant buzz, particularly among Major League Baseball (MLB) stars and enthusiasts who have long awaited the sport's Olympic comeback.
One of the sport’s biggest names, Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, has openly shared his aspirations and readiness to compete on the global stage if given the opportunity. Judge expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'd love to play. If they give us the opportunity... 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."
Aim for Representation
For Judge, the allure of representing his country goes beyond just playing the sport. It is about fulfilling a dream he has harbored since his amateur days. "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," he shared. The 2028 Olympics would be a chance for Judge to don the national colors, a rare opportunity among professional athletes.
MLB's Current Stance and Future Prospects
Presently, MLB’s policies bar players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, but changes could be on the horizon. Commissioner Rob Manfred has shown signs of flexibility regarding the inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics. Describing his stance as "open-minded," Manfred has indicated a willingness to explore possibilities that could lead to major league stars showcasing their talents on an international stage.
Support for MLB participation isn’t limited to the administration alone. Some of the league’s top players, including Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, have publicly advocated for MLB players' involvement in the Olympics. Their collective voice underscores a growing sentiment within the baseball community that Olympic participation would benefit the sport globally.
Japan's Success as a Model
Looking at Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) can provide a viable blueprint for MLB. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the NPB paused its season, allowing its top players to compete, which resulted in Japan clinching the gold medal in baseball. Such a model demonstrates the advantages of top-tier athletes participating in the Olympics, potentially enhancing the competitiveness and global profile of the sport.
A Balancing Act for Judge
While Judge is eager to seize the Olympic opportunity, he remains committed to his primary role with the New York Yankees. "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 emphasized. Having recently signed a nine-year contract with the Yankees, Judge's priority is clear. "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."
This dual commitment reflects Judge's professionalism and dedication to his team while also keeping an eye on the unique opportunity that the Olympics present. At 36 years old during the 2028 Games, Judge will be in the latter stages of his career. His current performance—boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season—demonstrates his ongoing value and potential future contributions, both to his team and possibly to Team USA.
Looking Forward to 2028
Baseball's anticipated return to the Olympics in Los Angeles is more than a sporting event; it's a resurgence of a beloved game on one of the world's biggest stages. The interest from players like Judge, Harper, and Ohtani signals a pivotal moment for baseball, where MLB's participation could ignite global interest and elevate the game's status worldwide.
As the countdown to the 2028 Olympics continues, the baseball community watches closely to see whether MLB will revise its stance. The potential for stars like Aaron Judge to shine on the Olympic stage promises a thrilling chapter in the history of baseball, blending national pride with the sport’s rich tradition.