Pete Alonso Reveals Italy, Not USA, Invited Him to 2026 WBC

The Orioles slugger says personal circumstances kept him from joining either team.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent interview, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso shared that he was invited to play for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but not Team USA. Alonso said the timing wasn't right for him to participate, as he and his wife are first-time parents. He also noted that while the WBC is an exciting event, the personal circumstances just didn't line up for him to play this year.

Why it matters

Alonso's decision not to play in the 2026 WBC, despite being invited by both Team USA and Team Italy, highlights the personal factors that can impact even the most elite baseball players' decisions about international competition. As a top power hitter, Alonso's participation would have been a major boost for whichever team he joined.

The details

Alonso revealed that while Team USA did not extend an invitation for him to join their roster, Team Italy did ask him to play. However, Alonso said he likely would have declined either offer, as he and his wife are first-time parents and the timing just didn't work out for him to participate in the tournament this year.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is currently underway.

The players

Pete Alonso

A first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles who was invited to play for both Team USA and Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but declined due to personal circumstances.

Team USA

The United States national baseball team that competes in the World Baseball Classic.

Team Italy

The Italian national baseball team that competes in the World Baseball Classic.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No, they did not, and that's fine for me. I probably would have said no because me and my wife are first-time parents. Just from a personal standpoint, the WBC is sick, but this wasn't the year to do it. I was also asked by Team Italy, which was great, but the personal circumstance just didn't line up.”

— Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles First Baseman (Foul Territory TV)

What’s next

Alonso will continue to focus on his first season with the Baltimore Orioles, as he looks to help the team build on their recent success.

The takeaway

Even elite MLB players like Pete Alonso have to weigh personal factors when deciding whether to participate in high-profile international baseball tournaments like the World Baseball Classic. Alonso's decision not to join either Team USA or Team Italy this year highlights how family commitments can take priority over professional opportunities, even for the game's biggest stars.