Dodgers Want to Play in 2028 Olympics in LA

"Absolutely, absolutely. I would have done the WBC if it wasn't for the bad timing of having a child. Kids are always a blessing, but yeah, if I get the opportunity to play in the Olympics, absolutely."

"Unlike their NHL counterparts, the franchise owners have never been willing to shut down the season long enough to send players to the Games. Nor have they been willing to accept the injury risk for a competition that comes with no direct financial reward."

"After watching that hockey game, that's definitely something that's a top priority."

MLB players, including Mookie Betts and Gunnar Henderson, express strong interest in competing for their home countries at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, inspired by the success of NHL players winning gold at the recent Winter Games. Baseball's return to the Olympics presents an opportunity for players to represent their nations. However, franchise owners have resisted shutting down the regular season to accommodate Olympic participation, citing both the timing conflict during MLB play and concerns about injury risks without direct financial compensation. Despite the lack of immediate financial reward, Olympic participation could expand baseball's global audience and support the sport's growth strategy, particularly in Asia where players like Shohei Ohtani have increased the sport's popularity.

Read at Dodgers Nation