As rumors surrounding MLB potentially allowing its players to play in the Summer Olympics starting in 2028 continue to heat up, one former NL MVP has already expressed his desire to play.
Speaking to the media Monday afternoon before game 1 of the NLCS, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper had a lot to say about the potential rule change.
“I’m going to be old at that point, so I don’t know if they’re going to want me on the team, but it’s always a dream. I think it’s everyone’s dream to be in the Olympics, especially coming here [Los Angeles, the site of the 2028 Summer Olympics].” Harper said.
One potential sticking point is the fact that if its players are allowed to play in the Olympics, MLB would be looking at a multiple-week shutdown in the middle of the season. Harper is aware of that but thinks it’s worth it in an effort to grow the game, adding, “You talk about growing the game and that’s the way you grow it to the highest peak, you have guys who are playing in the league take that break, just like in the NHL, and see what happens. I think it would be really cool and a lot of fun. I don’t know if they’ll ever go for it, but I would love to put ‘USA’ on my chest and represent it at the highest level. I know the WBC, and everyone loves that and it’s great for the game, but it’s not the Olympics.”
Professional baseball players were first allowed in the Olympics in 2000, but MLB would only allow minor leaguers to play. Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball pauses its season and lets the players play in the Olympics, however.
