The 2024 Olympics in Paris just wrapped up. As you may have noticed, there was no baseball among the sports competing. That will change in 2028 when the Olympics come to Los Angeles, but what Major League Baseball players could participate? The Minnesota Twins’ own Carlos Correa would certainly seem to be among them.
Carlos Correa could headline Puerto Rico
The World Baseball Classic, which takes part during spring training, has been happening since 2006. In 2028, the MLB is considering a break in their season, or some way that allows the best players in the world to compete for their countries, without hurting the MLB teams they are paid millions of dollars to work for.
If there was to be a WNBA-like break for baseball, the best players on the planet could compete. If MLB players get the green light, The Athletic picked out one player from each team that is most likely to be called upon by their country. For the Twins, Carlos Correa was the obvious choice. Kaitlyn McGrath explains.
“We wanted to highlight Max Kepler potentially playing for Team Germany in this space but sadly — and perhaps not surprisingly — Germany has never qualified for the Olympics in baseball, making their inclusion in L.A. 2028 unlikely. What seems far more likely, however, is that Correa will suit up for Puerto Rico. Correa played for the commonwealth during the 2017 WBC but opted out of the international tournament in 2023 due to the birth of his child, so getting back into a Team Puerto Rico jersey, especially at the Olympics, would likely be meaningful to him.”
Correa has previously signed up to play with Puerto Rico in international competitions. Former Twins starting pitcher Jose Berrios would likely represent the country as well. Jose Miranda was on the Puerto Rico World Baseball Classic roster in 2023. A nagging shoulder injury forced him to bow out. The Twins organization has a strong Puerto Rico connection.
What other Minnesota Twins would be most likely selected for 2028 Olympics?
McGrath’s note on Kepler is fair given the overall strength (or lack thereof) for a German team. By 2028 Kepler will be 35 years old. His performance has been uncertain in recent seasons. He could play in some qualifying games given the player pool for his country.
Just looking at the Minnesota Twins roster and where they are from isn’t enough. The summer Olympics won’t return until 2028. Factoring in age, other competition, and additional factors, there are some inclusions to consider.
Team USA – Walker Jenkins (23), Brooks Lee (27), Royce Lewis (29), Griffin Jax (33)
Jenkins, Lee, and Lewis have all competed for Team USA as they have risen the ranks. Assuming health and development, the three of them could all be superstars in the next four years. Jenkins is one of baseball’s highest rated prospects , and Lee has pushed the ceiling of his pre-draft projections.
Lewis has been nothing short of amazing when healthy, but he’ll need to develop a consistent ability to remain on the field. Jax is the outlier here, but he has become among the best relievers in baseball . Team USA hasn’t always had a high bar for pitching, and Jax coming out of the bullpen could be a great closer for the group.
Dominican Republic – Emmanuel Rodriguez (25), Jhoan Duran (30)
Similar to Jenkins, Rodriguez has ascended the prospect ranks and has a superstar ceiling. He can play all three outfield positions, and even if he moves to a corner, the power is there. He’s a patient hitter that could terrorize the best pitching for quite some time. Duran won’t be all that young in four years, but his velocity will always play. Aroldis Chapman is still doing it for the Pirates at 36 years old this season. Duran should be considered a lock for a top international roster.
Venezuela – Pablo Lopez (32)
It may be difficult to remember that Pablo Lopez is just 28 years old. Lopez has had a tough season, but is certainly among the best starting pitchers in baseball when right. Venezuela has a history of pumping out some incredible talent, and Lopez could continue taking steps in that direction. By the time Los Angeles hosts the Olympics, he could wind up being the ace of the staff.
Major League Baseball finding a way to get big league talent in the Olympics could be huge. Fans of other spots besides baseball could be draw to the game. Additional eyes on the product is never a bad thing. Both Joe Ryan and Simeon Woods Richardson competed in the Olympics last time baseball was part of the festivities. They were both minor league prospects at the time.
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