The Paris 2024 Olympics are officially over which means LA 2028 is next up. The Olympic flag is already on its way to the city of angels and over the course of the next four years, the games heading back to the States will get more and more real.

Several new and returning sports will join the games as Flag Football will be an Olympic sport for the first time ever, Lacrosse will make it’s return for the first time since 1908, and baseball and softball will return after a one Olympics break.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has said that he was open to the possibility of major league players competing in the games and several star players have expressed interest in playing.

Despite the impending obstacles of actually getting MLB players to the games, it’s still fun to dream about what a potential Team USA could look like.

Let’s take a look at an ideal Team USA Baseball lineup for the 2028 Olympics.

C Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles – Adley Rutschman is going to be one of the faces of USA Baseball for years to come if he decides to participate. In the middle of his age 30 season, Rutschman will be in his prime during the 2028 Olympics.

1B Bryce Harper Philadelphia Phillies – At the forefront of getting MLB players to the Olympics has been Phillies superstar Bryce Harper. If the MLB lets players go, Harper will be 35 at the time of the games. Getting settled into a less taxing position at first base should help Harper’s body to still be in good shape to play in LA. If MLB players become Olympians, expect Bryce Harper to be there.

2B Gunner Henderson Baltimore Orioles – If Team USA wants to get the most talent as possible on it’s roster, it’s going to have to do some shuffling around and that could include Gunner Henderson moving to second base. There is no doubt that Henderson will be one of baseball’s best players in 2028 and the Stars and Stripes would love to have him on their roster.

SS Bobby Witt Jr Kansas City Royals – There is a pretty good chance that when the 2028 Olympics roll around, Bobby Witt Jr will be the best player in all of baseball. Witt will be 28 when the games come back and at that point, he could be the face of baseball. There is no doubt that Bobby Witt Jr is the future of USA Baseball.

3B Josh Jung Texas Rangers – Don’t sleep on Josh Jung who plays the hot corner for the defending World Champion Texas Rangers. In his rookie season last year, Jung was an all-star after slashing .266/.315/.467 with 23 home runs and 70 RBI. Putting him on the team may be a bit of a hot take but Jung is someone who loves baseball and if he can continue to improve, would absolutely accept an invite if one was given.

OF – Aaron Judge New York Yankees – Like Harper, Aaron Judge would be “all in” to play for Team USA if MLB players are able to play in the Olympics. This season, Judge is solidifying himself as the best hitter in baseball. At age 36, 2028 would be Judge’s only opportunity to play in an Olympic games.

OF – Corbin Carroll Arizona Diamondbacks – Carroll has struggled mightily this season but after seeing what Carroll could do last year, there is no doubt that he can tun it around and be selected. If this was being considered at the end of last season, Carroll would have been the undisputed center fielder for Team USA and he could very well get back there in 2028.

OF – Jackson Merrill San Deigo Padres – Jackson Merrill could turn into one of baseball’s brightest stars over the next 2-3 years. In his rookie season with the Padres at age 21, Merrill is slashing .291/.323/.483 with 17 home runs and 64 RBI. In a season of Paul Skenes, what Jackson Merrill is doing in the NL rookie of the year race isn’t talked about enough.

DH – Pete Alonso New York Mets – Don’t be ready to close the door on Pete Alonso just yet. Alonso was one of the catalysts for getting Team USA’s World Baseball Classic team together and could be interested in playing in 2028. Alonso is just 29 and will still be in good playing shape when 2028 rolls around

SP Paul Skenes Pittsburgh Pirates – There is really no explanation needed as to why Paul Skenes should start for Team USA. The former Air Force Academy product would likely jump at the opportunity to pitch for the Stars and Stripes and would make the Olympics must-see TV.