Phillies slugger Bryce Harper throws his hat in the Olympics ring for 2028

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryce Harper wants to take a swing at the Olympics.

The Philadelphia Phillies slugger said it would be a dream to play for Team USA when baseball returns for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Harper, who turned 31 on Monday, has long been an advocate of MLB taking a break during the season to let major leaguers play in the Olympics.

Harper said his wife texted him a happy birthday message attached to news about baseball’s return.

“You talk about growing the game, and that’s the way you grow it at the highest peak,” Harper said. “You let guys that are playing in the league take that break just like in the NHL and see what happens. I think it would be really cool. I think it would be a lot of fun. I don’t know if they’ll ever go for it, but I would love to put USA on my chest and represent it at the highest level.”