The 2024 Paris Olympics have come to an end, and the United States is already looking ahead to the 2028 Games which will be held in Los Angeles, California. One of the major changes for the upcoming Games is the return of baseball and softball, which were last part of the Olympics in the 2020 Tokyo Games. However, a pressing question for the United States delegation is whether Major League Baseball (MLB) players will be allowed to participate in the Olympic Games. Currently, players on MLB 40-man rosters are not eligible for the Olympics.
Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the L.A. 2028 Olympic Committee and CEO of Wasserman Sports, made a presentation at the MLB owner’s meetings in February advocating for MLB participation in the 2028 Games. Major League Baseball has previously declined to pause the season or release its big leaguers for the Olympics. At the Tokyo Games in 2021, Japan paused its domestic league and won the Olympic tournament with a strong roster, while the United States won silver with a team of prospects and former players. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed openness to the idea of MLB players participating in the 2028 Olympics, citing the unique opportunity that hosting the Games in Los Angeles presents.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had removed baseball from the Olympic program in 2005 due to a lack of top talent in the sport and dominance by certain countries. For baseball to make a successful return to the Olympics, Wasserman needs buy-in from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, the 30 MLB owners, and the MLB Players Association. The involvement of top MLB players in the Olympics could not only enhance the international prestige of the sport but also potentially secure its future in the Games. By following the example set by other leagues like the NBA in allowing players to compete in the Olympics, MLB could showcase the best talent in the world on an international stage.
The involvement of top MLB players in the Olympics could have significant benefits for the sport both domestically and internationally. It would not only expose the league to a larger international audience but also demonstrate why Major League Baseball is considered the best league in the world. By taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, MLB could leverage the Games to promote the sport and showcase its top athletes on a global scale. Players’ opinions on participating in the Olympics will likely influence the stance taken by the MLB Players Association, indicating that widespread support from the baseball community could help pave the way for MLB players to participate in the Games.
As preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics continue, the question of MLB players’ participation in the Games remains unresolved. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to allow MLB players to compete in the Olympics will depend on a combination of factors, including the support of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, team owners, and the MLB Players Association. By embracing the opportunity to showcase their top talent on an international stage, Major League Baseball has the potential to captivate a global audience and strengthen the sport’s presence in the Olympics. The 2028 Games offer a unique chance for MLB to assert its position as a premier international sports league and secure its place in future Olympic competitions.
