MLB’s Proposed Penalties for Skipping the 2028 Olympics

Major League Baseball has submitted a draft agreement that would place any player who declines to compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games on the restricted list without pay or service time from July 10 through August 3, a 25-day span that overlaps the regular season. Players who also miss the All-Star Game would serve a slightly shorter suspension beginning July 12. The league would also allow fines and an unpaid suspension for athletes who skip the Olympics after playing in the All-Star Game. Injured players who elect not to travel would still be barred from returning to the majors until August 4, regardless of their health status. The proposal would extend the midseason break, moving the All-Star Game to July 11 (likely in San Francisco) and resuming regular-season play on July 21.

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The discussion involves MLB, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), the International Olympic Committee, the LA28 organizing committee, and the World Baseball Softball Confederation. While MLB frames the plan as a marketing opportunity, the union says it will respond after receiving broader proposals on housing, ticket allocations, and player accommodations—issues it wants to align with those granted to NHL athletes in past Olympic participation.

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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the proposal is based on the Olympics being a “unique opportunity to market the sport with our very, very best players,” acknowledging the disruption to the season. MLB spokesperson Glen Caplin emphasized that the league’s offer includes a schedule and a mandatory participation agreement, noting the union’s focus on economic terms with LA28. LA28 senior vice president of sport Niccolò Campriani expressed confidence that negotiations are moving positively toward fielding the world’s best athletes. MLBPA head Bruce Meyer affirmed that players are “patriotic” and eager to compete, while also stressing the need for appropriate travel and accommodation provisions.

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Meyer labeled the league’s draft “extreme,” warning that the restricted-list penalties would be non-grievable and could deter players from exercising personal choice. Critics argue the proposal blurs the line between legitimate health exemptions and punitive measures, potentially undermining players’ bargaining power.

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• “We made a proposal to the union which included a schedule and a mandatory participation agreement,” — Glen Caplin, MLB spokesperson

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• “It is a disruptive undertaking for us,” — Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner

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• “a unique opportunity to market the sport with our very, very best players.” — Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner

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• “They’re patriotic, and for them it’s a special opportunity, and we want them to have that opportunity.” — Bruce Meyer, head of the Players Association

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• “As reflected in our exchanges, we are all working toward the shared goal of seeing the world’s best athletes representing their respective countries at the LA28 Games, and it’s great to see that enthusiasm coming from the athletes as well. Conversations continue to move in a positive direction, and we are confident in the process and optimistic about the path ahead.” — Niccolò Campriani, LA28 senior vice president of sport

New York Times