Mets slugger Pete Alonso will represent Team USA at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, beginning in March, Major League Baseball announced on Wednesday.
He’s the first Met to commit to the United States national team, joining a developing roster that already features first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and third baseman Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals, outfielder Bryce Harper and catcher JT Realmuto from the Philadelphia Phillies, second baseman Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox, and center fielder Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels.
Alonso has developed into one of the premier power hitters in baseball, which has only strengthened his case to join Team USA’s ranks at the World Baseball Classic. Now in his fourth pro season, he’s hit 135 home runs — including 29 this season with a league-leading 97 RBI. It’s the most round-trippers iht in Major League Baseball during that four-year span.
He’ll most likely be featured as the team’s designated hitter with Goldschmidt manning first base.
The United States is considered the favorite to advance from Pool C, which features Mexico, Colombia, Canada, and a qualifier that is still to be determined. Play begins on March 11 in Phoenix, AZ.
