Baseball and softball enthusiasts were dealt a blow when it was announced that these beloved sports will not feature in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, there’s a silver lining on the horizon with baseball anticipated to make its comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This prospect is generating considerable excitement among fans and players alike, particularly Major League Baseball (MLB) stars.
MLB Players' Stance on Olympic Participation
The current scenario in MLB, which excludes players on 40-man rosters from participating in the Olympics, has drawn public reactions from some of the game's top talents. Notable figures such as Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have been vocal about their support for MLB players' involvement in the Olympics. Harper's and Ohtani's sentiments have been echoed by many, fueling the ongoing conversation about potential eligibility changes for future games.
Aaron Judge’s Olympic Aspirations
Aaron Judge, the star outfielder for the New York Yankees, has also expressed a keen interest in donning the national colors. Speaking candidly, Judge shared his ambitions to represent the United States in the 2028 Olympics, provided that MLB players receive the green light to participate. "I'd love to play. If they give us the opportunity -- I don't know what the ruling or anything has come out about that -- but 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," Judge remarked.
Currently boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, Judge is in exceptional form. Comparatively, in the same number of team games last season, he was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs, underscoring his consistent prowess as one of the league's top performers. By the time the 2028 Olympics roll around, Judge will be 36 years old, yet he remains optimistic about his chances to make the team and contribute significantly if selected.
Reflecting on his journey, Judge noted, "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." Despite his Olympic aspirations, Judge remains firmly focused on his commitments with the 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. I think especially after signing a nine-year contract, for me, priorities are New York. 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."
Commissioner Rob Manfred’s Perspective
Adding a layer of intrigue to the ongoing dialogue is MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Known for his open-minded approach, Manfred has indicated a willingness to consider the inclusion of MLB players in the upcoming Olympics. This stance has sparked hope among players and fans that changes to current restrictions could be on the horizon, making the dream of many players a reality.
International Comparisons and Future Olympics
Looking back at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball set a commendable example by pausing its season. This decision allowed its players to participate, ultimately leading Japan to clinch the gold medal in baseball. Such a precedent highlights the potential benefits of allowing professional players to compete on the world stage.
As we look ahead beyond the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Brisbane, Australia, is set to host the Summer Olympics in 2032. The decisions made over the next few years regarding MLB player participation could set a precedent for future games.
The conversation surrounding MLB players in the Olympics is one filled with anticipation, potential, and hope. With voices like Aaron Judge passionately advocating for the opportunity to represent their country, the baseball community awaits with bated breath to see how these developments unfold in the coming years.