Pete Alonso eyeing Team USA return after gaining invaluable experience at 2023 WBC

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso spoke to Mirror U.S. Sports about his desire to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and what he learned from the last tournament

Pete Alonso is ready to once again represent the Stars and Stripes on the world’s biggest stage.

Back in 2023, Alonso appeared in several games for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic (WBC). While predominantly serving a role off the bench, the New York Mets first baseman went 2-for-14 with a .343 OPS and one RBI.

Despite only receiving sparse playing time, Alonso still made the most of the opportunities he was given. Against Venezuela in the quarterfinals, the slugger kickstarted an eighth-inning rally before knocking in a pivotal RBI versus Cuba in the semifinals.

Looking ahead to the 2026 WBC, Alonso expressed his desire to rejoin the U.S. for the international tournament. “I had a blast last time, and any chance I get to represent the country, that'd be awesome,” he exclusively told Mirror U.S. Sports.

“That's our version of the Olympics, and there's so much pride playing for your heritage, playing for your country. It's just really special.”

While joining forces with several of MLB’s biggest stars — including but not limited to Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Trea Turner, and Kyle Tucker — Alonso learned firsthand what it’s like to play in a playoff-like atmosphere.

Whenever time provided, Alonso picked the brains of his teammates to find out how they stay calm, cool, and collected during the biggest moments of pivotal games. It wouldn’t be long before he put these lessons to good use during the Mets’ magical postseason run in 2024.

“I think, for me, drawing experience from the WBC really helped me in last year's postseason,” he explained. “The year prior in 2022, my only postseason experience was three games. A lot of guys on that team and that roster, they had a ton of game experience.

“For me, I think having that was invaluable … going to the postseason in 2024.”

Sure enough, the moment never seemed too big for Alonso, who slashed .273/.431/.568 with four home runs, 10 RBIs, and 12 walks in 13 playoff games last season.

The 30-year-old additionally delivered arguably his most memorable moment in a Mets uniform, blasting a three-run homer off Brewers closer Devin Williams in Game 3 of the Wild Card Round to stave off elimination.

It remains to be seen what role Alonso would play should Team USA opt to bring back his talents. The United States currently features no shortage of star power at first base, with Phillies’ Bryce Harper, Yankees’ Paul Goldschmidt, and Braves’ Matt Olson all more than deserving of making the roster.

Harper, for one, remains uncommitted on playing in the 2026 tournament. “I don't know yet,” he told Mirror U.S. Sports. “I kind of just want to worry about this year and get to the offseason and see how I feel.”

Other players have swiftly jumped at the opportunity to represent the United States. Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes shared his intention to play for the USA last month, while Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was announced as team captain in April.

“He's the guy,” Harper said of Judge. “He's one of the best in baseball. I love watching him play. Obviously, he's the Yankees captain, and he deserves that [Team USA] role.”

Judge isn’t the only New York star to receive a “C” on his chest for the WBC. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will also return as captain of Puerto Rico after being given the title in 2023.

“It's one of the best experiences in the world to be able to represent your country and give everything you got for them. It's like a work stoppage in Puerto Rico when we play the WBC,” Lindor fondly recalled.

“I'm excited for it. How hard you go for those seven, eight, nine games that you play, it's incredible.”

According to Alonso, there are few people better fit for the role than Lindor. “He's a really dynamic player,” Alonso said.

“He's playing in the heart of the diamond at shortstop … and I mean, he fits that mold. He's the heart of that team, for sure.”