Major League Baseball officials and prominent players are expressing optimism about securing participation in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, marking a potential first for the sport at the Games in the modern era. Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper stated his confidence that baseball will be included, emphasizing the opportunity to grow the sport internationally with the Games held in the United States. Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout similarly backed the proposal, noting the need for an appropriate format.
The scheduling presents considerable practical challenges. The LA28 organizing committee has designated July 14-30 for the Olympics, with baseball competition scheduled for July 13-19. This window falls during the MLB regular season, immediately following the customary All-Star break and preceding the trade deadline. While organizers moved the baseball competition start date before the opening ceremonies to accommodate MLB scheduling, extending the midseason break creates complications across the entire season structure. Baseball rosters are substantially larger than those in other sports, and the season runs significantly longer, intensifying logistical demands.
Negotiations between MLB and the Players Association remain in preliminary stages. Bruce Meyer, interim executive director of the MLBPA, indicated that while players desire participation, significant issues require resolution, including travel, accommodations, and working conditions befitting the players’ status. The union is referencing the NHL’s precedent, which successfully paused its season from 1998 to 2014 to allow players in five consecutive Winter Olympics. However, baseball’s different operational structure complicates direct application of that model.
Some players have expressed reservations about the proposal. Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman cited concerns about the midseason timing, potential pitcher fatigue affecting performance, and heightened injury risk. Freeman pointed to experiences from the World Baseball Classic, where players have suffered injuries weeks after exertion, potentially compromising their performance during the subsequent regular season and playoffs. Outstanding contractual disagreements also exist, with MLB’s latest proposal including mandatory-participation requirements with potential disciplinary consequences for noncompliance, provisions the union characterizes as excessive.
Baseball last appeared at the Olympics in Japan in 2021, when professional players participated for the first time, though players on MLB 40-man rosters were excluded. The United States finished with the Silver Medal that year. Insurance policies, hotel accommodations, and disciplinary frameworks remain unresolved as discussions continue toward the scheduled Games.