The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will proceed without the presence of baseball and softball, but fans and athletes remain hopeful for the sports' resurgence in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Efforts to reintegrate baseball into the Olympic program have been met with significant support, including from Major League Baseball (MLB) players themselves.
One of the major topics of discussion is whether MLB will allow its top-tier talent to participate in the Games. Current policies prevent MLB players on 40-man rosters from representing their countries in the Olympics. This restriction has drawn attention and stirred debate, especially with prominent players like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani vocalizing their desire to play in the 2028 Olympics.
Aaron Judge's Aspiration
Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' star outfielder, has expressed a strong desire to represent Team USA in the 2028 Olympics. Known for his prodigious power hitting and remarkable on-field performance, Judge articulated his enthusiasm for the potential opportunity. "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," Judge said. He added, "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's international ambitions are underscored by his past experience, or lack thereof, in amateur international competition. "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," he remarked, highlighting a personal milestone he hopes to achieve.
Competing Priorities
Despite his aspirations, Judge remains focused on his commitment to the New York Yankees. Having signed a nine-year contract with the team, he emphasizes that his primary goal is to contribute to his team's success. "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," Judge asserted. He balanced this by acknowledging his Olympic hopes, stating, "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."
Potential MLB Policy Changes
Rob Manfred, the MLB Commissioner, has shown a willingness to consider changes to the current policy that excludes MLB players from Olympic participation. Referenced as being "open-minded," Manfred's position suggests that there might be room for negotiation and adaptation in the years leading up to the 2028 Games.
Looking at the precedent set by Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), which paused its season during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to allow its players to compete and ultimately secure a gold medal, Judge and other advocates for MLB participation have a strong case. The NPB's decision was not only a nod to the importance of international competition but also a strategic move that paid off with national glory.
The Path Forward
As the clock ticks down to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the prospect of MLB players competing remains a tantalizing possibility. For Aaron Judge, who will be 36 years old by then, the 2028 Games represent a unique confluence of personal aspiration and professional milestone. Given his current performance, boasting a slash line of .321/.456/.691 with 41 home runs this season, Judge's ability to contribute on a high level remains undiminished.
In the same number of team games in the 2022 season, Judge's stats were similarly impressive (.300/.397/.674 with 46 home runs). These consistent performances further underscore his reliability and potential impact in an Olympic scenario. However, the ultimate decision will hinge on a delicate balance of logistics, player health, and broader strategic considerations by MLB and its stakeholders.
With Brisbane, Australia set to host the Summer Olympics in 2032, ensuring baseball's place in the Olympic landscape continues to be a priority for many. As discussions evolve and new policies potentially come to light, the hope remains that stars like Aaron Judge will get their chance to shine on the world stage, representing their countries and contributing to the global celebration of sport.