MLB Players Could Play In The Olympics For The First Time In 2028

Getty Image / Mary DiCicco

Baseball is one of America’s pastimes, and Americans love watching and rooting for their country in the Olympics. Compared to other countries, it seems as if we do treat the Olympics more seriously, for the most part.

But, we’ve never seen our top Major League domestic players play in the Olympic Games. Of course, until 1986, only amateurs were allowed in the Olympic Games, and even after that, minor leaguers or college players made up the bulk of our Olympic teams.

But, that could be changing in a big way. With the 2028 Summer Olympics being held in Los Angeles, Major League Baseball could look to capitalize by including Major League players in the Olympic Games.

Major League Baseball recently heard a proposal that would allow the league’s players to play in the 2028 Olympics with minimal disturbance to the season.

Presently, many of the league’s top players play in the World Baseball Classic, held during Spring Training every three years. That’s a cool tournament, and it gets solid participation, but it’s far from the Olympic Games in terms of prestige. For better or worse, the Olympic Games moves the needle for any sport.

As for the concessions that would need to be made, I don’t think any of them are that serious. Four less games isn’t a big deal. No one will even be able to tell. Having to move or cancel the All-Star Game could be a bummer, but ultimately I think fans would prefer to have players in the Olympics over another All-Star Game.

At a time when even baseball’s biggest stars are obscure compared to even middling NFL quarterbacks, I think this would be a great opportunity for MLB to get some attention heading into the 2028 stretch run. I hope this does come to fruition.

There will be no baseball or softball in this summer’s games in Paris, as Paris would rather have breakdancing than baseball.