MIAMI — Major League Baseball players have made their voices heard throughout the World Baseball Classic, expressing their desire to play in the 2028 Olympics, and it’s possible that the players union could reach a deal with MLB permitting players to participate, independent of a new collective bargaining agreement.
Bruce Meyer, executive director of the players association, fully believes that MLB will impose a lockout when the current CBA expires on Dec. 1, but said Sunday that a deal could be reached before Dec. 1 permitting MLB players to be in the Summer Olympics - being held in Los Angeles – for the first time.
Then again, everything changes if a lockout wipes out the entire 2027 season.
“If we don’t have a season," Meyer said before the USA-Dominican Republic WBC semifina at loanDepot Park, “we’re not going to play in the Olympics."
Time is of the essence and Meyer realizes that the Olympics would like to have a decision this summer, if possible.
“It can be on a separate track," Meyer said. “Theoretically, it can be done anytime. It doesn’t have to be at the same time as everything else is negotiated. I mean, it’s been kind of on a separate track, the discussions that we’ve had to date with the league. So it could be discussed on the course of bargaining, but it doesn’t have to be tied to bargaining."
There still are logistical problems to overcome with the Olympics following the All-Star Game, which would be a 10-day layoff. What do the other players do during the break? Would they play exhibition games against their minor-league affiliates? Who pays their expenses? Who pays for the Olympians’ insurance?
There are a myriad of potential problems, but both sides are optimistic a solution can be reached.
“There are a lot of issues that still need to be worked out," Meyer said. “So, I don’t know about before the CBA, which is likely to not be until over a year from now, but theoretically it can be done."
Providing, of course, the 2027 season stays largely intact.
“If we’re in a situation where games are being missed, and in ’27, that could have an impact on playing the Olympics after that,’’ Meyer said. “But for now, it’s on a separate track."
Still, after watching the popularity of the WBC, and the players’ enthusiasm for the tournament, Meyer hopes the WBC becomes a permanent fixture in MLB, where it likely will be played every four years.
“The WBC is fantastic," Meyer said. “The fan engagement has been terrific. I mean, that’s obvious. It’s great baseball. Great players. It’s a great thing for the sport, and its been a tremendous success.
“The players that I’ve spoken to are thrilled to be here, thrilled to be representing their countries, and having a good time. It’s a great thing for the league, and in this market in Miami, you can see the fan interest in baseball, which unfortunately is perhaps not maximized by the franchise here.
“It’s been a great thing."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB players in Olympics? Baseball stars want to play in LA 2028
