With the Olympic Games coming to Los Angeles in 2028, baseball will be back in the fold after an absence in 2024. But will Major League Baseball players be allowed to participate?
That's the topic on everyone's minds around the sport as the festivities in Paris officially come to a close.
Active MLB players have never participated in the Olympics, given that they occur in the middle of the regular season. But with the success of the 2023 World Baseball Classic and the global relevance of the Olympics as a whole, players are beginning to voice their desire to get in the Games.
It would undoubtedly be exciting for baseball fans to see their favorite players on the biggest world stage in sports. But if one writer's predictions come to fruition, Pittsburgh Pirates fans might be the most excited of them all.
Dayn Perry of CBS Sports projected the Team USA roster for the 2028 Olympics, assuming MLB players would be participating. In his projections, Perry named Paul Skenes of the Pirates as his chosen starting pitcher for the American side.
"(Skenes) started the All-Star Game, and may wind up taking National League Cy Young honors despite not making his big-league debut until May 11," Perry said. "He's a special one right now and for the next decade-plus."
With a 2.25 ERA, 6-2 record, and 115 strikeouts in his first 15 starts, Skenes has been the most captivating pitcher in baseball this year. The most hyped college pitcher since Stephen Strasburg, Skenes has lived up to even the loftiest of expectations set for him as a prospect.
Getting big names like Skenes on board could prove crucial to those advocating for MLB players to participate in the Olympics. Superstars Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani have already expressed their desires to play, so that cause is off to a strong start.
It remains to be seen whether Skenes will decide to participate when the time comes. But if he does, eyes across America, especially those in western Pennsylvania, will be glued to their television sets.
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