The Giants remain on track to host the 2028 MLB All-Star Game if MLB players “are allowed to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics that same summer,” according to Susan Slusser of the S.F. CHRONICLE. Interim MLBPA Exec Dir Bruce Meyer indicated discussions about MLB taking part in the ‘28 Games have begun, but he “characterized the talks as ‘at a very early stage.’” Slusser noted players “aren’t opposed to participating in the Olympics,” as it is the “logistics that must be hammered out.” MLB “envisions an 11-day break to accommodate both the All-Star Game and the Olympics.” The U.S., Venezuela and the Dominican Republic have already qualified for the six-team tournament. It was reported last year that S.F., which has not hosted the All-Star Game since 2007, was in line for the ‘28 event pending Olympic participation, though several other teams “have gone without the Midsummer Classic even longer” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/14).
DUE DILIGENCE: In S.F., John Shea noted the possibility of the Giants hosting the 2028 game caused several team execs to travel to Philadelphia and “monitor the All-Star events on and off the field” and how MLB and the Phillies are “handling the midseason extravaganza.” The Giants had applied to serve as hosts, and they would “be the preferred choice over other MLB cities in the West because all the other teams have hosted since 2007″ -- Mariners (2023), Dodgers (2022), Rockies (2021), Padres (2016), D-backs (2011) and Angels (2010) (S.F. STANDARD, 7/12).
IN THE QUEUE: In Baltimore, Matt Weyrich wrote the Orioles are “among the teams that are front of mind” for MLB in conversations about hosting future All-Star Games, but the Olympics “might push back their opportunity to land the event.” MLB has already awarded the 2027 edition to the Cubs, which has not hosted the annual event since 1990. The Blue Jays last held the game and related festivities in 1991, and the Orioles in 1993. Boston’s drought stands as the fourth-longest, dating to 1999. Weyrich wrote should S.F. wind up with the 2028 game, the earliest the Orioles could serve as host “would be 2029, or perhaps 2030″ if MLB “keeps the rotation in chronological order” (BALTIMORE SUN, 7/14).
