As the 2028 Summer Olympics approach, the sports world is buzzing with anticipation for a historic event set to unfold in Los Angeles. A significant highlight of these Games is the return of baseball, absent from the recently concluded Paris Olympics. What adds to the excitement is the potential participation of Major League Baseball (MLB) stars, a first in the history of the Games.
Stars Aligning for Team USA
Among the athletes expressing their enthusiasm is Bryce Harper, a standout player recently quoted as "enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad." By 2028, Harper will be 35 years old, bringing a wealth of experience and talent to Team USA.
Joining Harper in his excitement is Aaron Judge, who has also shared his eagerness to represent his country. By the time the Games come around, Judge will be 36 years old. Notably, since turning 30 on April 26, 2022, Judge has posted an impressive OPS north of 1.100 and amassed 137 home runs in just 363 games. This kind of performance solidifies his status as a key player to watch during the 2028 Olympics.
Emerging Talent
The excitement isn't limited to seasoned veterans. Young talents who are currently making waves in the MLB are also expected to shine in 2028. Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 years old, and Triston Casas, who will be 28, represent the promising next generation of American baseball. Casas has already demonstrated his potential with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 home runs in 181 games for the Boston Red Sox.
Other notable young players include Jackson Holliday, who will be 24 years old in 2028 and recently made his major league debut at the age of 20, and Gunnar Henderson, who will be 27. Bobby Witt Jr., at 28, is another budding star, already considered an MVP candidate in the American League at the age of 24.
The inclusion of players like Riley Greene, who will be 27, and James Wood, a 21-year-old top-10 overall prospect in the high minors, further exemplifies the depth of young talent that could feature in the 2028 Olympics. Meanwhile, pitching phenom Paul Skenes, who will be 26, is hailed as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg, offering Team USA a potential ace on the mound.
A Historic Return
The return of baseball to the Olympics and the potential inclusion of MLB stars heralds a new chapter for the sport on the international stage. The blend of experienced superstars and emerging talents ensures that baseball in the 2028 Olympics will offer fans a thrilling spectacle.
The possibility of seeing marquee players like Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge donning the Team USA jersey elevates the Games' prestige and excitement. Harper's enthusiasm and Judge's remarkable post-30 performance set the stage for an Olympic event that baseball aficionados won't want to miss.
As the countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics continues, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a milestone moment in the world of sports. The blend of established icons and the next wave of baseball talent ensures that Los Angeles will be the epicenter of a baseball spectacle the likes of which the Olympic Games have never seen.