At the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, it was announced that Los Angeles would host the 2028 Summer Olympics, featuring the addition or return of multiple sports, including baseball.

Baseball made its Olympic debut in 1992 and has been in six Olympic Games. Throughout those appearances, the United States has reached the podium four times: winning bronze in 1996 and 2008, silver in 2020 and gold in 2000.

Often referred to as “America’s Pastime,” baseball has deep roots dating back to the 19th century. The sport has been a constant presence throughout pivotal moments in American history, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. More than just a game, baseball reflects American society: shaping culture, influencing economics and embracing technological advancements. It has inspired movements, fostered national pride and even played a role in healing cities in times of hardship.

Given America’s deep-rooted history with baseball and the presence of MLB as the premier professional league, one might assume the U.S. would dominate the sport on the world stage. However, history tells a different story and it hasn’t exactly been a fair fight.

In past Olympic Games, MLB players on a team’s 40-man roster were prohibited from competing. With 30 MLB teams, that means 1,200 of the world’s top baseball players, 72% of whom are American, have been unable to represent their country in the Olympics. This restriction has undeniably put the U.S. at a disadvantage, as its best talent has been sidelined from international competition.

Some may argue that allowing the U.S. to field its top MLB players would be unfair, yet other sports do not face this limitation. Take basketball, for example, a sport with global popularity. The U.S. is home to the world’s most elite professional leagues, the NBA and WNBA, yet its top athletes are still allowed to compete in the Olympics. The results speak for themselves: In the 21 Olympic appearances of men’s basketball, Team USA has won gold 17 times, silver once and bronze twice. The women’s team has been equally dominant, winning gold in 10 of 13 Olympics, including the last eight consecutive titles.

This dominance is possible because world-class players such as LeBron James, Sabrina Ionescu, Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Kelsey Plum, Kevin Durant and Breanna Stewart have all had the opportunity to compete for Team USA. These are athletes recognized as the best in the world—so why isn’t the same opportunity extended to baseball? If the Olympics allow the best-of-the-best in basketball and other sports, why should baseball be any different?

Since the announcement that baseball will return for the 2028 Summer Olympics, support has been growing among MLB players to participate in the Games. The Olympics are meant to unite the world, but they also serve as a stage for nations to showcase their talent and prove themselves in competition. When it comes to baseball, the U.S. has not been given that opportunity, despite being a powerhouse in the sport.

MLB players should have the right to compete for their countries in the 2028 Summer Olympics, just as top athletes do in other Olympic sports. It’s time for Olympic baseball to be played on a truly level field, one where the best talent from every nation, including the U.S., is allowed to take part.