MLB Stars Eye Opportunities at the 2028 Summer Olympics
In an exciting development for baseball enthusiasts around the globe, the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles might feature Major League Baseball (MLB) stars for the first time. With the Games set in the United States, the inclusion of baseball is more than just symbolic; it signifies the sport's return to the Olympic arena following its absence from the recently concluded Paris Summer Olympics.
Among the noteworthy MLB players, Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge have both expressed their excitement at the chance to represent Team USA. Bryce Harper, who will be 35 years old in 2028, has openly shared his enthusiasm for the possibility of donning the national colors on such an illustrious stage. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," resonates his words, encapsulating the zeal he brings to this potential opportunity.
Aaron Judge, no stranger to the spotlight, is similarly thrilled at the prospect of playing in the Olympics. By 2028, Judge will be 36 years old, a seasoned veteran likely eager to add an Olympic stint to his already illustrious career. Since turning 30 on April 26, 2022, Judge has maintained an OPS north of 1.100, belting an impressive 137 home runs in just 363 games.
Younger Talent Poised for Olympic Success
The 2028 Olympics could also serve as a showcase for the younger generation of baseball talent. Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 years old by then, and Triston Casas, set to be 28, are among the players who could make significant impacts. Casas, with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 home runs in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox, continues to build an impressive resume that could be fully displayed on the Olympic stage.
Additionally, other emerging stars like Jackson Holliday, who will be just 24 years old in 2028, and Gunnar Henderson, who will be 27, are potential key players for Team USA. Holliday’s recent debut in the major leagues at the age of 20 adds to the list of young talent bursting onto the scene, ready to take on the world.
Rising Prospects to Watch
The inclusion of younger athletes such as Bobby Witt Jr., Riley Greene, James Wood, and Paul Skenes could offer a glimpse into baseball’s bright future. Bobby Witt Jr., already an MVP candidate in the American League at the tender age of 24, will be 28 in 2028 and remains a potential cornerstone for the team. Riley Greene, who will be 27, and James Wood, a top-10 overall prospect currently at 21, further illustrate the depth of talent at Team USA's disposal.
Particularly intriguing is the potential of Paul Skenes, who by 2028, will be 26 years old. Regarded as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes’ inclusion could provide a significant boost to the team’s pitching rotation, adding an edge to their Olympic aspirations.
Baseball’s Olympic Return
With baseball making its comeback in the 2028 Summer Olympics and held in a city that loves its sports, Los Angeles, this event could mark a significant milestone for the sport. For veteran stars like Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, the Olympics offer a chance to cap off their careers with an extraordinary achievement. For upcoming players, it’s an opportunity to place their names on the world stage, showcasing the future of baseball.
The blend of seasoned veterans and promising young players in Team USA's potential roster sets the stage for a compelling and vibrant competition. As anticipation builds over the next few years, fans can look forward to a thrilling chapter in Olympic and baseball history.