Fearing Olympics participation issues, MLB proposing stiff penalties for players who skip out

Key Points:

• Major League Baseball has proposed suspensions longer than three weeks without pay or service time for players who skip the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles without an approved excuse, aiming to ensure top players participate in the Games.
• The proposed suspension period would run from July 10 through August 3, 2028, coinciding with an extended midseason break to accommodate the Olympic baseball tournament, which is scheduled from July 13-19.
• Injury exemptions would allow players to be paid and earn service time but prevent them from returning to play until August 4, with MLB planning heightened scrutiny to avoid manipulation of injury lists.
• MLB commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the uniqueness of the Olympics compared to the World Baseball Classic, citing the disruption to the regular season and the desire to showcase the sport’s best players.
• Negotiations involving MLB, the players’ union, the International Olympic Committee, LA28 organizers, and other stakeholders continue, with unresolved issues including player accommodations, compensation, and ticket allocations.