MLB Stars Push for Baseball's Return to Olympics

Players and owners agree the Olympic stage would be great for growing the sport globally.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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As the World Baseball Classic tournament continues in Houston, top MLB stars like Bryce Harper and Tarik Skubal are voicing their strong desire to see baseball return to the Olympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028. While the timing of the WBC during spring training poses challenges, the players believe the global exposure and patriotic pride of representing their country at the Olympics would be invaluable for the sport. Discussions are underway between MLB, the players' union, and the IOC to find a way to make Olympic participation work within the MLB schedule.

Why it matters

Baseball's return to the Olympics after a 12-year absence would provide a massive platform to showcase the sport on the world stage and grow its global fanbase. The patriotic fervor of the Olympics could also reignite interest in the sport domestically. However, the timing of the Olympics during the MLB season presents logistical challenges that will require cooperation between the league, players, and Olympic organizers.

The details

The World Baseball Classic, now in its sixth edition, has highlighted the unique emotions and pride players feel when representing their home countries. With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles just over two years away, MLB stars like Bryce Harper and Tarik Skubal are pushing hard for the league to find a way to allow its players to participate. The main hurdle is the timing, as the Olympics would take place in July during the heart of the MLB season, unlike the WBC which occurs during spring training. Concerns over potential player injuries and disruptions to the regular season schedule will need to be addressed, but the players believe the global exposure and patriotic spirit of the Olympics would be invaluable for growing the sport.

  • The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will take place from July 14-30.
  • The World Baseball Classic is currently underway, with the semifinals and final scheduled for March 15-17 in Miami.

The players

Bryce Harper

A star outfielder who has been advocating for baseball's return to the Olympics throughout his career.

Tarik Skubal

A pitcher for the U.S. national team who recently competed in the World Baseball Classic in Houston.

Bruce Meyer

The head of the baseball players' union, who has confirmed that discussions have begun about Olympic participation.

Rob Manfred

The MLB commissioner, who has stated that the league is "a lot closer" to an agreement to allow players to compete in the Olympics.

Jose Altuve

The Houston Astros second baseman who broke his thumb playing for Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, missing the start of the MLB season.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, the WBC is great, but it's not the Olympics. That's no disrespect to the WBC or anything. But everybody knows when the Olympics are on everybody is watching. Doesn't matter what sport it is. It could be the most random sport and it has all of the fans watching it.”

— Bryce Harper (Houston Chronicle)

“I'm hoping the next CBA agreement can happen where teams and players can come to an agreement on taking that two-week break, especially it being in our home country. It would be great for baseball. You talk about growing the game and being able to grow it at that, at the highest level would help out tremendously.”

— Bryce Harper (Houston Chronicle)

“If this game were just about Tarik, he's sitting in Lakeland right now watching the WBC. But it's not about him. It's not about me. It's not about any of us. It's a whole lot bigger than us. I'm glad he answered the call.”

— Paul Skenes, U.S. pitcher (Houston Chronicle)

“If they can get the timing right to where it is not in a spring training ramp-up phase, I think that will reduce the risk of injuries for pitching. But I agree with everything he said. We understand the risk associated with it, you know, especially from clubs and playing for someone that is not your club. So we get it.”

— Tarik Skubal, U.S. pitcher (Houston Chronicle)

“There's nothing like representing your country. There is nothing like it. Really excited to put the nation's colors on my chest again.”

— Bryce Harper (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The MLB, players' union, and IOC will need to finalize an agreement to allow MLB players to participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Key issues to resolve include the timing of the Olympic tournament, player injury concerns, and disruptions to the MLB regular season schedule.

The takeaway

Baseball's return to the Olympics after a 12-year absence would provide a massive global platform to showcase the sport and grow its fanbase worldwide. While logistical challenges remain, the strong desire of top MLB stars to represent their countries at the Olympics suggests a deal can be reached that works for all parties involved.