In a significant shift for international baseball, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will notably exclude both baseball and softball from its program. However, baseball enthusiasts have reason to rejoice as the sport is anticipated to make a grand return in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The return has sparked considerable interest, with major baseball figures expressing their enthusiasm and aspirations for participation.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has historically prohibited players on 40-man rosters from joining the Olympic fray. This limitation has prompted frustration among some of baseball’s elite, including stars like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani, who have publicly voiced their support for MLB players to be granted eligibility for the Olympics.
Stars Eye the Podium
One of the most vocal proponents of this change is New York Yankees' standout outfielder Aaron Judge. Known for his towering home runs and remarkable consistency, Judge has openly shared his dreams of representing his country on the Olympic stage. "I'd love to play," Judge remarked. "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."
Judge's enthusiasm is rooted in a deep personal desire, having never had the opportunity to don a Team USA jersey in his amateur days. "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 explained. "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."
At 36 years old during the 2028 Olympics, Judge would bring veteran experience to the team while still being in prime physical condition. His current form illustrates his enduring prowess, boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season. Comparatively, in the same number of team games in 2022, Judge was hitting .300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs.
Commitment to the Yankees
Despite his Olympic aspirations, Judge remains steadfast in his commitment to the New York Yankees, having recently signed a nine-year contract with the team. "It would be an honor to represent my country and play in that," Judge said. "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."
Judge acknowledges the delicate balance between national representation and loyalty to his club. "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," he stated.
Potential MLB Involvement
The possibility of MLB players participating in the Olympics received a significant boost when MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated an open-minded stance towards their inclusion in 2028. This shift echoes the approach taken by Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, which paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to allow its players to compete. This decision paid dividends, as Japan clinched the gold medal in baseball.
As the baseball world turns its attention to Los Angeles 2028, the opportunity for MLB's best to showcase their talents on a global stage adds a tantalizing prospect to the mix. The inclusion of high-caliber players like Aaron Judge could elevate the competition and draw unprecedented levels of attention and excitement to the sport.
The momentum behind integrating MLB players into the Olympics is gaining traction, and if the requisite changes are made, fans could witness a transformative chapter in the history of baseball. Judge’s determination and passion are emblematic of a broader sentiment within the sport, an eagerness to blend individual excellence with patriotic pride.
Looking further ahead, the 2032 Summer Olympics will be hosted in Brisbane, Australia. Whether baseball will remain on the Olympic roster and whether players like Aaron Judge will make yet another appearance remains to be seen. However, the foundation laid by the potential inclusion of MLB players in 2028 could set a precedent for future Games.