Phillies’ Bryce Harper eyeing 2028 Olympics appearance, hoping for MLB’s approval

Bryce Harper NLCS Game 1 press conference

Philadelphia Phillies fielder Bryce Harper has expressed his intention to participate in the 2028 Olympics, hoping that MLB would grant permission to do so. Harper made these remarks after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Monday the return of baseball and softball as official Olympic sports.

“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,” Harper said.

“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.”

Harper, who recently turned 31, has consistently supported the idea of MLB allowing major leaguers to participate in the Olympics by taking a season break.

The return of baseball

Baseball’s Olympic journey began as an exhibition sport in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It gained official status from 1992 to 2008. Professional players became eligible in 2000, but MLB declined to release its players, resulting in minor leaguers representing the U.S.

The IOC removed baseball after 2008 but brought it back for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Apart from baseball and softball, the IOC confirmed that cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash have been approved for the 2028 Summer Olympics. These sports received the green light from the full Olympic committee in Mumbai, India, a week after being proposed by Los Angeles officials, with the recommendation coming from the IOC executive board on Friday.

‘It’s always a dream’

Harper, who recently batted .368 with three homers for the Phillies in the postseason, said that “it’s always a dream” to play for the USA. The two-time NL MVP shared his desire to wear the USA emblem and represent it at the highest level.

“I will be old at that point, so I don’t know if they’re going to want me to be on the team, but it’s always a dream,” Harper said. “I mean, I think it’s everybody’s dream to be in the Olympics.”

Harper inked a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies in 2019. If he plays for Team USA in L.A., he will be 35, with ten years left on his contract.