Bryce Harper made a bold statement when he arrived at Citizens Bank Park wearing a United States Olympic Team hat on July 26. The absence of baseball from the Paris Games has sparked conversation among MLB players like Harper and Shohei Ohtani, who see the potential for growth and exposure on the Olympic stage. The desire to participate in the Olympics is not new, with efforts being made to include MLB players in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
The history of baseball in the Olympics has been tumultuous, with the sport being removed in 2005 due to concerns about doping and lack of competition. Despite a successful return in the 2020 Tokyo Games, baseball is once again missing from the Paris lineup. However, with the potential for baseball’s return in 2028, the spotlight is on MLB to decide whether to send its top players to represent the country on the world stage.
The idea of MLB players participating in the Olympics presents an exciting opportunity for the sport to gain global recognition and showcase its brightest stars. With the support of figures like Commissioner Rob Manfred and talent agency CEO Casey Wasserman, the possibility of seeing players like Harper and Ohtani donning their national colors in the Olympic Games is becoming more of a reality. It might be possible for the league to host the All-Star Game in Southern California as a kickoff event for the Olympics. Skipping a year without the Midsummer Classic could have negative consequences for the league and its partners.
In order for this plan to move forward, Wasserman and his supporters will need to get buy-in from three main parties: (1) Manfred, (2) the 30 MLB owners, and (3) the MLB Players Association. It is believed that Manfred, who has stated that 2028 will be his last full season, is in favor of bringing MLB players to L.A. as part of his legacy.
The MLBPA, led by Tony Clark, will assess interest from its members and continue discussions with the league. If enough players are willing to take the risk, the union is open to considering the proposal.
Pitchers, who sometimes hesitate to participate in the World Baseball Classic in mid-March because they are not fully prepared, may feel more comfortable with a July competition. While there is always a risk of injury, the financial safety net of insurance cannot replace a player’s contribution during a crucial part of the season.
The biggest challenge lies in convincing all 30 MLB owners that pausing the season in July is worth it. This could result in financial losses due to scheduling changes and concerns about player injuries during an international tournament.
Despite these challenges, the 2023 World Baseball Classic was considered a success, generating excitement around international baseball. Star players are interested in participating in the Olympics, and the commissioner appears to be supportive. With careful planning, there is a way to address the logistical issues.
Ultimately, the potential opportunity for baseball to be part of the Olympics in 2028 is too significant to ignore, regardless of the sport’s future in the Games beyond that year.