The road to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is already generating excitement, and one of the most anticipated developments is the potential participation of Major League Baseball's top stars for the first time. This possibility marks a significant milestone for baseball, especially since the sport was absent from the most recent Summer Olympics held in Paris.
Baseball's return to the Olympics has been confirmed for the 2028 Games, much to the delight of fans and players alike. Among those thrilled by this announcement are prominent MLB figures like Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge. Harper, who will be 35 years old in 2028, is particularly eager about representing the United States on this grand stage. "Bryce Harper has enthused about the possibility of suiting up for the United States in the 2028 Olympiad," a sentiment that is widely shared among his peers.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Aaron Judge, who will be 36 in 2028, has also expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to don the Team USA jersey. Since his 30th birthday on April 26, 2022, Judge has been on an exceptional run, maintaining an OPS north of 1.100 and accumulating 137 homers in 363 games. His substantial contributions to the game underscore the caliber of talent that could potentially take the field for the United States at the Olympics.
The prospect of assembling a powerhouse team doesn't stop with Judge and Harper. Young stars who are destined to shine brighter in the coming years include Adley Rutschman, who will be 30 in 2028, and Triston Casas, who will be 28. Casas, in particular, has demonstrated his prowess with an OPS+ of 127 and 35 homers in 181 games with the Boston Red Sox.
The Rising Talents
As the spotlight turns to newcomers, Jackson Holliday is one to watch. At just 20 years old, Holliday recently made his major league debut and will be 24 by the time the Olympics arrive. Similarly, Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., who will be 27 and 28 respectively, are expected to be in their prime. Witt Jr. is already making waves as an MVP candidate in the American League at the age of 24. These young athletes promise to bring vigor and skill to Team USA.
Riley Greene, who will be 27 in 2028, and top-10 overall prospect James Wood, currently 21, round out the emerging stars set to contribute. Wood, who is in the high minors, is particularly noted for his potential to make a significant impact on the international stage.
The Next Generation of Pitchers
The excitement isn't solely reserved for position players. Pitching prospects such as Paul Skenes are generating considerable buzz. Skenes, who will be 26 in 2028, is regarded as the most hyped pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. His presence on the mound could be a crucial element of the U.S. team's strategy to dominate the competition.
The anticipation surrounding the 2028 Summer Olympics is palpable, especially with the possibility of MLB stars participating and enhancing the global appeal of baseball. With seasoned veterans like Harper and Judge, alongside a cohort of youthful, dynamic talents, Team USA looks poised to make a historic showing. As these athletes prepare for their potential roles, fans across the country and the world can look forward to a competition that promises to be unforgettable.