Rob Manfred Bets Big On Mlb Stars Shining At 2028 La Olympics

LA Dreams: MLB Stars Set for Olympic Glory?

Los Angeles, the city of stars, might just get a whole new kind of MVP in 2028. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is buzzing with confidence that big league players will step up to the plate for the LA Olympics, set to run from July 14-30. This could be a game-changer, blending the glitz of Hollywood with the grit of the diamond right here in our backyard.

Unlike the 2021 Tokyo Olympics - where MLB kept players on 40-man rosters sidelined while Japan clinched gold over the U.S. with a 2-0 shutout - the league is seriously considering a plan to make this happen. Think of it as an extended All-Star break with an Olympic twist, though it’s not a done deal yet. Manfred and the players’ association still need to hash out the details, and sponsor deals could throw a curveball.

Logistics, LA Style: Making It Work

Speaking before World Series Game 2 on Saturday, Manfred dropped some serious optimism about the plan. 'I am positive about it. I think that the owners have kind of crossed the line in terms of, we’d like to do it if we can possibly make it work,' he said. But, let’s be real - pulling this off in LA, with its notorious traffic and packed summer vibe, is no small feat.

'We’ve got logistical hurdles to clear, but seeing our top talent on the Olympic stage in LA would be unreal,' Manfred added, hinting at the epic potential of this crossover.

There are still plenty of kinks to iron out. The 2021 Tokyo baseball tourney spanned 11 days, with a four-day group stage leading into knockout rounds and medal games. For LA, expect a tighter, more fast-paced format to fit the Olympic schedule and keep the SoCal energy high.

One-Time Wonder or Wishful Thinking?

Here’s the catch - even if MLB pulls off this Olympic slam dunk in 2028, don’t expect a repeat performance. The 2032 Games are slated for Brisbane, Australia, and Manfred isn’t holding his breath for a sequel. 'The chances that we’re playing in Brisbane, difficult, right, even way more difficult than being in LA,' he admitted, pointing to the logistical nightmare of going Down Under.

For now, the focus is on making the LA Games a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Imagine Dodger Stadium or another iconic SoCal spot hosting the world’s best ballplayers under the Olympic rings - it’s the kind of moment that could define a generation. LA’s ready to roll out the red carpet, but will MLB seal the deal?