Braves IF thinks Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge can help bring MLB players to the LA28 Olympics

The 2024 Olympics concluded with an epic display of athleticism across all sports disciplines, but not baseball. The MLB did not have any sort of representation in Paris, something that will change soon. Baseball is a growing sport worldwide and it will be a part of the quadrennial games in 2028.

Atlanta Braves infielder Zack Short believes that if Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and others get involved, MLB will have no choice but to find a way to get its players in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Short said (33:19):

"They already started asking the stars, 'Hey, how cool would it be to play?' I think I saw a quote from Ohtani, Judge. They were like, 'Oh my god, yeah. That'd be sick, I'd love to do it.' If these guys push for it, I think it's going to happen."

It would be similar to the World Baseball Classic but at the highest leve. Baseball was thrilling at that level last winter, and an Olympic baseball tournament could be exciting for fans and players, especially since the 2028 games are in Los Angeles.

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Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani might make it into LA28

There is just one difficulty regarding MLB players competing in the Olympics. The Olympics always take place during the summer, usually in August. That's the heat of the MLB regular season. While basebal has been approved for the 2028 Olympics, participation of MLB players will require some logistical attention.

Will MLB stars be a part of LA28? (Imagn)

The Olympics essentially requires more than two weeks off from whatever the athletes were doing. Since that happens in August, it means two weeks off from the regular season.

There are two options. One is to extend the season, but it already runs close to November. Another option is to cut the games down or have the Olympics be part of a midsummer break. Currently, the MLBPA is mulling options.

The World Baseball Classic is different as it occurs before the MLB season begins. It is scheduled during Spring Training, so all players can theoretically leave their teams and play for their countries.

Plus, both Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani will be significantly older. In the case of Judge, he'll be 36 when the next Olympics comes around. If he wants to play, he will be able to, but he might not be in his prime.