MESA, Ariz. — The prospect of competing in the 2028 Olympics has ignited excitement for Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd, who expressed his enthusiasm when asked if he would be interested. “Without a doubt,” Boyd stated. Although he will be 37 at the time, he believes his best baseball is still ahead and would not hesitate if the opportunity arose.
The buzz surrounding international baseball is palpable as exhibition games roll out in preparation for the World Baseball Classic (WBC). This week, Boyd, alongside Cubs teammate third baseman Alex Bregman and outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, showcased their skills for Team USA, contributing to a decisive win over the Giants in Scottsdale. Social media was abuzz with footage of Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki launching an impressive home run for Team Japan, adding to the excitement around the tournament.
In total, the Cubs have eight players from their 40-man roster participating in the WBC, which includes catcher Miguel Amaya, representing Panama, and pitchers Javier Assad (Mexico), Daniel Palencia (Venezuela), and Jameson Taillon (Canada). This year’s WBC is particularly exciting due to the enhanced involvement of star players and the memorable performance from 2023, where Team Japan triumphed over Team USA in the final. Major League Baseball has adeptly navigated the logistics of the WBC, ensuring that it aligns with the regular season’s preparations.
For the 2028 Summer Games, the key will be whether MLB and its players’ union can formulate an agreement permitting major-leaguers to compete in the Olympics. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred hinted at progress, indicating a sense of momentum toward an agreement that would facilitate participation in Los Angeles. “I think we’re a lot closer to [an agreement] than the last time we talked about it,” Manfred remarked during recent owners’ meetings, suggesting optimism for both the league and its players.
Individual players will ultimately decide their commitment to the Olympic tournament, which is scheduled for July 13-19, 2028, at Dodger Stadium. Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins expressed support for the initiative, underscoring the team’s commitment to the game’s growth and fans’ enthusiasm.
Playing in the Olympics is a unique opportunity, as baseball has only been included in the Olympic lineup once since 2008; it made a brief return in Tokyo in 2021. However, the overlap with the All-Star break poses a challenging decision for players. “Everyone’s different,” Amaya noted, highlighting the personal and patriotic considerations players face in making their choices.
Only six teams will qualify for the Olympics, with the United States securing a spot as the host nation. Bregman shared his lifelong dream of playing for the national team, reflecting on the importance of the Olympics in his family’s tradition. Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the need for players to evaluate their situations on an individual basis, though he expressed a desire to represent the U.S.
The WBC is not only a spotlight for international talent but also plays a crucial role in Olympic qualification. The two highest-performing teams from the Americas at the WBC will earn their spots in the 2028 Games, adding even more significance to this year’s matches. As anticipation builds for both the WBC and the Olympics, the stage is set for an exhilarating chapter in international baseball.