Baseball is set to make a comeback in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, and with that comes the question of whether or not the players in the MLB will be competing among the greatest athletes in the world. It may be a tall ask, but it’s certainly possible to work around the two week period, and whether or not there will be accommodations is still up in the air. If MLB players are given the time to compete, here’s a way-too-early prediction of the starting lineup.
Catcher: Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles (Portland, Oregon)
Current career stats: 3 seasons | .268/.359/.436 .795 | 126 OPS+ | 50 HR | 82 2B | 12.7 WAR
Adley Rutschman by the year 2028 should be the best catcher in baseball. His numbers have been great already in his career and the tools he offers behind the plate are undeniably what Team USA needs in the Olympics. The switch hitter will be turning 30 years old before the Los Angeles Games, and could by then be a six time All-Star, with even more accolades like a possible World Series ring.
Third Base: Austin Riley – Atlanta Braves (Southaven, Mississippi)
Current career stats: 6 seasons | .273/.339/.503 .842 OPS | 123 OPS+ | 151 HR | 147 2B | 20.8 WAR
The best third baseman at this point in time from the United States will most likely still be Austin Riley. The then 31-year old should be in the midst of his prime with four years left on his $212 million deal. The current two-time All-Star should have multiple more of those nods to his name by then, and is one of the best gloves available to manage the hot corner in Los Angeles.
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals (Colleyville, Texas)
Current career stats: 3 seasons | .288/.332/.502 .833 OPS | 127 OPS+ | 72 HR | 92 2B | 28 3B | 104 SB | 12.9 WAR
The future of baseball is in great hands with guys like Bobby Witt Jr. The Royals franchise shortstop will undoubtedly be the best shortstop in the sport by 2028, and will be freshly turning 28 years old. The current MLB league leader in games played, runs, hits, batting average, and total bases has every single tool that the United States needs on full display in 2028, and his exciting flashy play style is perfect for the bright lights. There’s nobody more fit to represent the shortstop position at its pinnacle.
Second Base: Gunnar Henderson – Baltimore Orioles (Montgomery, Alabama)
Current career stats: 3 seasons | .268/.347/.508 .855 | 141 OPS+ | 61 HR | 58 2B | 25 SB | 14.3 WAR
Gunnar Henderson needs to be a starter in 2028, but the shortstop and third base positions are blocked and he’ll need to fill in at second base. At the time of the games, Henderson will be freshly 27-years old and is a perfect complement to Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop. The two manning down the middle infield can get to anywhere with their speed and athleticism, and the bat speaks for itself. Henderson’s power, run tool, and just overall hard exit velocities is what needs to get him in the lineup.
First Base: Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Current career stats: 13 seasons | .281/.389/.523 .912 OPS | 153 OPS+ | 332 HR | 961 RBI | 1623 H | 49.8 WAR
Bryce Harper should be one of the captains of this USA roster. Even in his mid-30’s at the tail end of his massive $330 million deal, his defense should hold up well against the competition, and his bat should undoubtedly be there. The eight time All Star should provide the perfect veteran leadership and at the time of the 2028 Olympics, will be viewed by the entire baseball world as a sure Hall of Famer, and an Olympic gold medal could be the icing on the cake for his ticket to Cooperstown.
Left Field: Steven Kwan – Cleveland Guardians (Fremont, California)
Current career stats: 3 seasons | .292/.362/.406 .768 OPS | 117 OPS+ | 458 H | 75 2B | 49 SB
Kwan has surged into popularity earning his first All Star nod in 2024, and in 2028 the near 31-year old should be in his prime hitting at an elite clip for contact. Team USA will need a guy who can leadoff and get on base for the big hitters to simply do their thing and hit them in. Kwan can be that guy and gives you a great glove in the corner outfield. By the 2028 games, Kwan should be even stronger, hitting for more power but he can be a guy in the outfield to start and maybe get subbed out later on.
Center Field: Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels (Millville, New Jersey)
Current career stats: 14 seasons | .299/.410/.581 .991 OPS | 173 OPS+ | 378 HR | 1648 H | 86.0 WAR
Captain America no matter age or health should be on the roster. Trout will still be playing out his massive $426.5 million contract, and if he stays in Anaheim, could potentially have his last shot at a ring or championship in Los Angeles in 2028. Nothing needs to be said about Mike Trout other than the fact that his health is always a question mark. Regardless, he elevated his game to the highest level in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and seeing him play center field at the Olympics would make the baseball world smile.
Right Field: Aaron Judge – New York Yankees (Linden, California)
Current career stats: 9 seasons | .287/.404/.599 1.002 OPS | 170 OPS+ | 298 HR | 677 RBI | 979 H | 49.1 WAR
The Olympics is for putting the best athletes at their respective sports in the highest tier of competition with the rest of the world. There is nobody on the planet who can hit a baseball like Aaron Judge, and nobody deserves a spot on this roster more than him. Judge by this point in his career should be a sure Hall of Famer with almost 500 home runs, nearly 2000 hits, and well into maybe 70.0 WAR. The world needs the chance to see Judge in a Team USA jersey hitting 500 foot home runs off of opposing pitchers.
Designated Hitter: Brent Rooker – Oakland (Las Vegas) Athletics (Germantown, Tennessee)
Current career stats: 5 seasons | .251/.333/.498 .831 OPS | 132 OPS+ | 69 HR | 5.1 WAR
Rooker is one of the younger designated hitters hitting at an elite level and by 2028, can be at the peak of his game. The Oakland power threat could be one of the highlights of the franchise’s move to Las Vegas, and a very underrated feature for the USA roster. Not only can he fill the DH spot, but he can even play corner outfield as well. Rooker’s improved every season, and it’ll be interesting to see where his game’s at by 2028.