Dodgers 8-Time All-Star Wants to Play in Los Angeles Olympics

Mookie Betts excited for baseball's return to the Olympic Games in 2028

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Los Angeles Dodgers superstar shortstop Mookie Betts has expressed his enthusiasm about the possibility of competing in the 2028 Olympic Games in his adopted home city of Los Angeles. Betts, an 8-time MLB All-Star, was a member of the Team USA squad that lost to Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game.

Why it matters

The inclusion of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is seen as a major boost for the sport, as it will allow the world's top baseball talent to compete on the global stage. Betts' interest highlights the excitement around baseball's return to the Olympics after being absent from the Games since 2008.

The details

Betts said he would "absolutely" play in the 2028 Olympics if given the opportunity, noting that he would have competed in the 2023 World Baseball Classic if not for the timing coinciding with the birth of his child. While there has been no official announcement, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed confidence that MLB players will be allowed to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

  • Betts was a member of the Team USA squad that lost to Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game.
  • The 2028 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles.

The players

Mookie Betts

An 8-time MLB All-Star shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has expressed interest in competing for Team USA in the 2028 Olympic Games in his adopted home city.

Shohei Ohtani

A teammate of Mookie Betts on the Los Angeles Dodgers who pitched for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game against Betts' Team USA.

Rob Manfred

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball who has expressed confidence that MLB players will be allowed to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely, I would've done the WBC if it wasn't for the timing of having a child. Kids are always a blessing, but yeah, if I get the opportunity to play in the Olympics, absolutely.”

— Mookie Betts (DodgersNation and Sportsnet LA)

What’s next

While there hasn't been an official announcement as of Tuesday that MLB players will be allowed to play in the LA 2028 games, commissioner Rob Manfred has said he feels confident it will happen.

The takeaway

Mookie Betts' enthusiasm for representing Team USA in the 2028 Olympics in his home city of Los Angeles highlights the growing excitement around baseball's return to the global stage. The inclusion of MLB's top talent is seen as a major boost for the sport, and Betts' interest underscores the significance of this opportunity.