Bryce Harper didn’t mince words about what it would mean for the game of baseball if Major League players were able to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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“(The World Baseball Classic) is great, but it’s not the Olympics,” the Philadelphia Phillies first baseman said March 6 ahead of Team USA’s first billiards game in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. “That’s no disrespect to the WBC or anything, but everyone knows that when the Olympics happen, everyone is watching.
“It doesn’t matter what sport it is. It could be the most random sport and it could be the sport that every fan is watching. I hope LA ’28 happens. I hope the next CBA deal gets done where teams and players can agree to take a two-week break, especially in their home state. It would be good for baseball. Talking about growing the game and growing from there would help tremendously at the highest level.”
Harper, 33, is a two-time Most Valuable Player and one of the faces of American baseball. He has never competed in the WBC or the Olympics.
Harper committed to play for the United States at the 2023 WBC, but was unable to compete in the event due to elbow surgery following the 2022 season. The United States ultimately lost the championship game to the Japanese team.
Harper has previously expressed hope that MLB players will be able to compete in the Olympics when baseball returns to the 2028 Summer Olympics.
But now a problem is emerging. Harper is one of the most prominent voices in the MLB Players Association’s decision to either accept the 2027 salary cap or shut out regular season games. The collective bargaining agreement between MLB owners and players expires Dec. 1.
The issue of major leaguers participating in the 2028 Olympics is one of many that will rest on players and owners as CBA negotiations expand.
Harper’s enthusiasm for the WBC may dampen his enthusiasm for participating in the Olympics, but that certainly hasn’t happened yet.
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