We must make a confession. We might have missed out on baseball at different times during the last two weeks in favor of watching the Olympics and Paris across the ocean. And as we watched Kahleah Copper win gold and Steph Curry rain threes, we could not help but wonder what other well-known big leaguers have been contemplating.
Wouldn’t it be cool to be a part of that?
Yes, baseball will return to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and major league players are at least being considered for participation.
We took out our crystal balls to predict who may be the major baseball stars for those games for this week’s power rankings. We are not worrying about how the qualifying process will proceed or whether a player on this list might have joined a different major-league team by then because it will be four years away.
Record: 70-50
Last Power Ranking: 1
2028 Olympic hopeful: OF Juan Soto, Dominican Republic
Do not ponder this too much. Though it would be entertaining to see Jazz Chisholm Jr. captain a resilient Bahamas team, Soto, only 25 years old, is still a strong contender for MVP in 2028. It is not ideal for two American superstars to be at the pinnacle of their careers at the ages of 36 and 37, respectively, for Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole. Although Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe are still young enough to be taken seriously, the United States ought to have some other choices at shortstop and catcher. Another potential option for the Dominican Republic is young Jasson Domínguez, although he needs more time to establish himself. However, Soto still has nothing to prove and might be at the peak of his career come the Olympics. This may
Record: 70-49
Last Power Ranking: 2
2028 Olympic hopeful: C Adley Rutschman, United States
Being the catcher for Team USA at the Los Angeles Olympics may be the hardest job there is. In the high-stakes international event when the host nation is the favorite to win, he would have to quickly learn how to manage a whole new pitching staff. If anyone is qualified for that position, it would be Rutschman. The hero of the Baltimore Orioles is renowned for elevating his game and forging close bonds with pitchers. Rutschman will be thirty years old, at the prime of his career, and have accumulated years of experience by the year 2028. — McGrath Kaitlyn
Record: 70-49
Last Power Ranking: 5
2028 Olympic hopeful: SP/DH Shohei Ohtani, Japan
Sorry to Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and whoever else is leading the most likely defending NL West champions in 2028. Still, this is the simplest option available. As of right now, Ohtani is the greatest player in the world, and at 34, we will not rule out him continuing to be among the best. (He is already shown us how wrong we were.) He might be the veteran of a rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki for a Japan squad that is expected to be strong favorites going into the Olympics. Not only has Japan qualified for every Olympic baseball tournament, but it has also won medals in every baseball tournament. That includes taking home the gold three years ago in Tokyo. — Tim Britton
Shohei Ohtani could serve as an elder statesman for Team Japan in 2028. (Yuichi Yamazaki / AFP via Getty Images)
Record: 69-49
Last Power Ranking: 4
2028 Olympic hopeful: 1B/DH Bryce Harper, United States
It is 2020, and you are engaged in a thought experiment to divert your attention from, well, everything. You might be wondering what the U.S. men’s basketball team’s clutch-time lineup will look like in four years. You immediately say, “Lebron James,” brushing off the fact that he will be 39 by then. Naturally, Steph Curry will continue to shoot incredibly well. Kevin Durant, too? He will have totally healed from his injury. The point is that despite the significant changes we anticipate over the next four years, some things remain the same. Harper should still be among the top hitters in the game in 2028 since he has made it clear that he wants to compete in the Olympics. It is easy to imagine him as the seasoned 35-year-old boss.
Record: 70-49
Last Power Ranking: 3
2028 Olympic hopeful: 2B Travis Bazzana, Australia
Picking one of the Naylor brothers for Team Canada or José Ramírez or Emmanuel Clase for the Dominican Republic is far safer, but it is simply too much fun to see Bazzana supporting an Australian team that is going for gold. Australia’s only hope of qualifying for the Olympics may be difficult, but a run at the top choice in this year’s draft would undoubtedly help. After studying the game as a young child in Australia, Bazzana went first overall out of Oregon State. Bazzana and Rays utility player Curtis Mead playing in the infield is undoubtedly the best-case scenario for Team Australia. — Jennings
Record: 67-51
Last Power Ranking: 7
2028 Olympic hopeful: OF Jackson Chourio, Venezuela
On the Brewers, William Contreras might have been the more obvious pick, but that would have given us our third possible Team Venezuela catcher on this list of contenders. Instead, we are going with the Brewers’ 20-year-old Chourio. This year, the quick outfielder is having a fantastic rookie campaign for Milwaukee; by 2028, he might be one of MLB’s biggest stars in addition to serving as the team’s face. Chourio, Acuña, and José Altuve, his hero, may be the team’s main players. McGrath
Record: 67-53
Last Power Ranking: 11
2028 Olympic hopeful: C Gabriel Moreno, Venezuela
Team Venezuela has a few intriguing choices at catcher. Francisco Alvarez and Moreno might be competing for the team’s backup position if we believe William Contreras is the team’s everyday player and Salvador Pérez is playing the role of an elder statesman. At just 24 years old, Moreno has already won a Gold Glove, so in four years, he might be at the peak of his abilities. He can play infield and even corner outfield thanks to his athleticism and versatility, which would make him a better choice for a shortened competition like the Olympics.— McGrath
Record: 67-53
Last Power Ranking: 9
2028 Olympic hopeful: C Ethan Salas, Venezuela
It will be so long after the L.A. Olympics that Salas will be—gulp—22 years old! Ranked among the game’s top ten prospects, Salas had advanced through the minors quite quickly given his age before encountering a roadblock this season at High A. Salas’s offensive shortcomings as a Fort Wayne Tin Cap do not significantly change his potential in the long run. No, he most likely will not be making his major league debut as a teenage catcher, but in four years, he still has a fantastic chance to make an impact. — Britton
Record: 66-52
Last Power Ranking: 6
2028 Olympic hopeful: SS Carlos Correa, Puerto Rico
We intended to draw attention to Max Kepler’s possible participation for Team Germany in this area, but regrettably—and maybe not unexpectedly—Germany has never advanced to the Olympic Games in baseball, making their presence in Los Angeles 2028 improbable. However, Correa suiting up for Puerto Rico appears significantly more plausible. Correa represented the Commonwealth in the 2017 WBC, but he chose not to compete in the international competition in 2023 because of the birth of his child. Therefore, it would probably mean a lot to him to wear a Team Puerto Rico shirt again, especially during the Olympics. McGrath
Record: 65-54
Last Power Ranking: 8
2028 Olympic hopeful: Player/Coach Salvador Perez, Venezuela
Perez will be 38 years old, but there has to be a method to include him on a fictitious Olympic roster in 2028. We can go ahead and assume that William Contreras (or Ethan Salas, or Gabriel Moreno, or Francisco Alvarez) would be the catcher for Venezuela. Willson, the brother of William, might also be a good DH (even at 36 years old), and Carlos Mendoza, the manager of the Mets, might make sense as the manager of Venezuela (depending on his availability). However, Perez may have a hybrid position. Play first base a lot. Take a few innings off. Assist the coaching staff. Perez ought to be at the Olympics if Venezuela is represented, for whatever reason. Additionally, Royals supporters may always watch Bobby Witt Jr. play shortstop for the team if he isn’t
Record: 63-55
Last Power Ranking: 13
2028 Olympic hopeful: SP José Urquidy, Mexico
Of all the players on the squad with Olympic potential, Urquidy is arguably the most reliable choice. Although he will be 38 in four years, Jose Altuve would most likely be there for Venezuela. Though they each play a position that is fairly deep for their respective nations, Kyle Tucker and Jeremy Peña are the clear choices for Team USA and the Dominican Republic. If it were not for the politics and history at play, Yordan Alvarez would be a clear choice for Cuba. If Honduras could make it to the Olympics, Mauricio Dubon would be a huge celebrity for the country. Urquidy, on the other hand, will have been 33 in the summer of 2028 and continues a longstanding Mexican throwing heritage. — Jennings
Record: 63-56
Last Power Ranking: 14
2028 Olympic hopeful: OF Randy Arozarena, Mexico
We will focus on Arozarena instead of the potential Team USA players Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby may have in their rotation. Despite being born in Cuba, Arozarena has decided to represent Mexico abroad. This was seen in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where the outfielder famously guided the team to a third-place result and came dangerously close to defeating the ultimate victors, Japan, in the quarterfinals. In four years, Arozarena will turn 33, but with his predilection for big-game scenarios, he seemed destined to rise to the occasion on a platform such as the Olympics. — McGrath
Could we see Ronald Acuña Jr. suit up for Team Venezuela in 2028? (Eric Espada / Getty Images)
Record: 62-56
Last Power Ranking: 10
2028 Olympic hopeful: OF Ronald Acuña Jr., Venezuela
By then, he will be—gasp—30 years old, and he will have to heal from an ACL tear once more. However, Acuña looked fantastic when he returned from that injury the last time, and we think he will still be in his prime and return to MVP or nearly MVP form.Being at the peak of his game for the Olympics could mean even more to Acuña, who was not at his best during the World Baseball Classic the previous year. — Britton
Record: 62-55
Last Power Ranking: 12
2028 Olympic hopeful: 1B Triston Casas, United States
Paul Goldschmidt, who would turn 40 in 2023, was Team USA’s starting first baseman in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Christian Walker will turn 37, Freddie Freeman will turn 38, and Bryce Harper will be just months away from turning 36. At 33, Pete Alonso will be. Casas may be well-established but still very much in his prime at the age of 28. He will also be well-known. Casas earned international gold as a member of the U.S. 15-and-under and 18-and-under squads. He was the cleanup hitter for Team USA at the 2021 Olympics, when the roster was primarily made up of minor leaguers and unsigned veterans. Casas has already accomplished this on the largest platform, so maybe it is time for him to do it again in 2028.
Record: 61-57
Last Power Ranking: 15
2028 Olympic hopeful: SP Brandon Sproat, United States
A fast-rising pitching talent who will be 27 years old during the Los Angeles opening ceremonies is someone we should take a chance on. In his first full professional season, Sproat—a prospect the Mets valued so much they drafted him twice—has lived up to their expectations. After beginning the season in High A, he advanced to Triple A (hey, when you strike out 11 straight times in a Double-A game, it is surely time for a promotion) and established himself as one of the game’s top pitching prospects. When 2028 rolls around, there are a ton of eligible applicants to project into the U.S. rotation. However, pitcher health is, well, erratic, so Sproat might figure in that if he is healthy. — Britton
Record: 61-60
Last Power Ranking: 19
2028 Olympic hopeful: INF/OF Marco Luciano, Dominican Republic
Disregard the argument about whether Luciano should hold his glove; in four years, Luciano will be right in the heart of his peak. Still ranked among the top 100 prospects, Luciano has had a good season in Triple A and has evened out in a brief major league debut.If Luciano stays in the outfield for the long run, he might be able to bat behind Fernando Tatis Jr. and Julio Rodríguez in 2028—as long as Juan Soto is DHing, of course. — Britton
Record: 60-59
Last Power Ranking: 16
2028 Olympic hopeful: SP Sem Robberse, Netherlands
Masyn Winn has a much higher chance than a marginal top-10 prospect in the system of being the Cardinals’ best player in 2028. However, what are Winn’s prospects of being Team USA’s starting shortstop in 2028? Well, among other people, someone in the state of Missouri could have some thoughts about it. Conversely, the players who are keeping Robberse out of the Netherlands’ rotation are, to put it mildly, less notable. Robberse, a right-handed starter, was traded to the Jordan Hicks team last year after making an appearance in the Futures Game as a Blue Jays prospect. Earlier in the season, the 22-year-old had a phenomenal start in Triple A before faltering in May and hitting
Record: 59-61
Last Power Ranking: 21
2028 Olympic hopeful: OF Owen Caissie, Canada
Look, the Naylor family cannot make up the entire Canadian team. In his debut season at Triple-A Iowa, outfielder Caissie, a consensus top-100 prospect who participated in this year’s Futures Game, has had an excellent season. Caissie, who is 22 years old, has tremendous pop as a corner outfielder. He has a decent chance of making an impact in the Cubs’ outfield in 2025, which will put him in an excellent position to become a well-known big leaguer by 2028. — Britton
Record: 59-59
Last Power Ranking: 17
2028 Olympic hopeful: INF Junior Caminero, Dominican Republic
Top prospect Caminero is still a viable option for the Dominican Republic in 2028, despite the Rays having just dealt away a number of strong contenders for the Olympics: Zach Eflin and Jason Adam for the United States; Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes for Mexico. His primary position is third base, where his native nation has enough of players (Rafael Devers, José Ramírez), but Caminero can also play shortstop and second base. With his exceptional potential, his skills could at least earn him a spot in the Olympics. In four years, though, he might also emerge as a true superstar. — Jennings
Record: 58-61
Last Power Ranking: 22
2028 Olympic hopeful: SS Elly De La Cruz, Dominican Republic
With so many of the biggest names in the game coming from the Caribbean, it will be difficult to break into the Dominican Republic’s list of MLB players. But because of his quickness, strength, and athleticism, De La Cruz, who will turn 26 in 2028, is the kind of player who looks destined for tremendous things in a shortened competition like the Olympics. Suto, Guerrero, Fernando Tatis Jr., Devers, and De La Cruz on the roster? That sounds like a gold medal favorite, not to mention flawless vibes. McGrath
Record: 56-62
Last Power Ranking: 18
2028 Olympic hopeful: SP Paul Skenes, United States
Now picture the scene. Before Skenes, who by 2028 might already be a multiple Cy Young Award winner, hits the mound for Team USA in a gold-medal game in Los Angeles, which is not far from where the right-hander grew up in Fullerton, California, Snoop Dogg throws out the ceremonial first pitch. You would believe that the NBC TV writers invented the flawless Olympic storyline. With instruction from US pitching coach Max Scherzer, of course, it is plausible to believe that a 26-year-old Skenes could be leading the way for Team USA in four years. Skenes has established himself as one of the top pitchers in less than a season. McGrath
Record: 55-64
Last Power Ranking: 20
2028 Olympic hopeful: Pitching coach Max Scherzer, United States
What is the name of the pitching coach for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic last year? It was not a seasoned major league coach. It was former New York Yankees starter Andy Pettitte. Scherzer, who will be 44 in 2028, could provide an American coaching staff with a similar level of experience and instant respect if he retires by then. Due to a finger injury, he was forced to withdraw from the 2017 World Baseball Classic as a pitcher for Team USA. Closer David Robertson is another current Ranger who could be worth taking into consideration for a coaching position in 2028. In both the 2017 WBC and the 2021 Olympics, he pitched for Team USA. — Jennings
Record: 56-63
Last Power Ranking: 23
2028 Olympic hopeful: SP Tarik Skubal, United States
One significant concern remains: Would the best starting pitchers consent to play in the Olympics, even if MLB managed to send a player, or would it be like the WBC, which included few of the best starters in the league? If Skubal stays with the Tigers through 2028, he is theoretically the clear-cut choice and the perfect representative for the team, but center-field prospect Max Clark may be a compelling substitute. He is currently in A-ball, but by ’28, he might be fully established in the majors. However, Jackson Merrill, Jarren Duran, and Corbin Carroll were all formidable opponents for him in center field and should be taken into consideration for the USA national team. — Jennings
Record: 55-64
Last Power Ranking: 24
2028 Olympic hopeful: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Dominican Republic
Guerrero can play for Team Canada since, technically, he was born in Montreal. While it is entertaining for baseball fans in Canada to imagine Guerrero playing between the Naylor brothers, with Manager Joey Votto sitting on the bench, Guerrero has committed himself to representing the Dominican Republic in international contests. Given his current strong streak at the plate, which included a 22-game hitting streak, perhaps in four years Guerrero—who, at 29, would be among the seasoned leaders on an obviously loaded Team Dominican Republic roster—will be discussed as an MVP winner. McGrath
Record: 54-65
Last Power Ranking: 25
2028 Olympic hopeful: OF James Wood, United States
In the majors, Wood, 21, is already holding his own. Wood most likely ranks in the top 10 if you are trying to predict who will hit the most home runs between the closing ceremonies in Paris and the opening ceremonies in Los Angeles. Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts, who are expected to compete with Wood for a starting position in the American outfield in 2028, might also do so. There, Wood would benefit from his experience, and Betts can play wherever. — Britton
Record: 52-67
Last Power Ranking: 26
2028 Olympic hopeful: INF Luis Rengifo, Venezuela
Placing Mike Trout on Team USA is the automatic first thought, but would it really be an option? Trout led the team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and has a contract through 2030, but it is very difficult to predict his viability four years from now. It will be quite amazing if he is among the top five or six American outfielders at that point. Perhaps a DH/bench job would become available even if he isn’t. Rengifo appears to be the Angels’ more sensible selection. Despite the abundance of players in the Venezuelan infield, Rengifo had a spot on the team that will compete in the 2023 World Baseball Classic even before to his offensive breakthrough this year. — Jennings
Record: 50-69
Last Power Ranking: 27
2028 Olympic hopeful: 3B Myles Naylor, Canada
Just so that the Naylor brothers can spend a few weeks getting well-known, let us enter a Canadian team in the Olympics. Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians plays first base for Team Canada. Bo Naylor, catcher for the Guardians, behind the plate. And Myles, the youngest brother, who was the 39th overall draft pick in 2023, at shortstop, or the hot corner if he sticks with it. While his first full season in A-ball has not gone as planned, he started the season ranked as the A’s system’s No. 18 prospect and will have four years to work through some of his developmental issues. — Jennings
Record: 44-76
Last Power Ranking: 29
2028 Olympic hopeful: SP Cal Quantrill, Canada
Since I was the only writer here with a Canadian passport, I had to include at least one member of Team Canada, so Quantrill it is. The right-hander pitched for Canada at the most recent WBC, but things did not go as planned; he gave up three runs and could not get out of the first inning against Team Great Britain. Thus, playing in Los Angeles in 2028 could be a part of Quantrill’s redemption story on Team Canada. Moreover, Paul, Quantrill’s father, has been a longstanding member of Canada’s coaching staff since his own MLB pitching career. I promise that their father-son dynamic would be featured heavily on CBC’s Olympic coverage.
Record: 44-75
Last Power Ranking: 28
2028 Olympic hopeful: 1B Deyvison De Los Santos, Dominican Republic
De Los Santos, who was acquired from Arizona last month in exchange for A.J. Puk, excels at one thing and does it well: he launches baseballs into the atmosphere. He is currently a 21-year-old Triple A player, and by 2028, he should be a well-established 25-year-old big leaguer with a good chance of ranking among the league’s home run leaders. Along with guys like Ketel Marte, José Ramírez, Elly De La Cruz, and Rafael Devers, he might add youth to a deep Dominican infield. — Britton
Record: 29-91
Last Power Ranking: 30
2028 Olympic hopeful: OF Luis Robert Jr., Cuba
Robert has had a difficult year due to injuries he sustained while playing for the awful White Sox. But competing for Cuba at the Olympics would be something to look forward to. Robert was one of the few MLB players that competed for the nation in the most recent World Baseball Classic. The nation has a convoluted history with players who defected from their national team. Robert might assist the nation win an Olympic medal again. As the most successful nation in Olympic history, Team Cuba has won gold three times (1992, 1996, 2004) and silver twice (2000, 2008). However, they failed to qualify for the 2021 Games, therefore they will be hoping to make a comeback to the podium in 2028 when baseball is reinstated. McGrath
(Top photo: Cooper Neill / MLB Photos via Getty Images)
