Pete Alonso and the Dream of the 2026 World Baseball Classic: What Will He Do to Convince Coach Mark DeRosa When Facing Heavyweight Opponents Like Harper and Olson?

As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches, the competition to secure a spot on Team USA is as fierce as ever. At the heart of this race stands Pete Alonso, the New York Mets’ powerhouse slugger, who dreams of wearing the red, white, and blue once again. But to do so, he’ll need to convince head coach Mark DeRosa that he deserves a coveted place on a roster loaded with elite talent. With fellow first basemen like Matt Olson and Bryce Harper in contention, Alonso’s journey to the WBC is anything but guaranteed.

Alonso isn’t just fighting for a spot—he’s chasing a moment of redemption and legacy, especially after a challenging 2023 and an evolving 2025 campaign. With the world watching and competition stiff, can the Polar Bear claw his way back into the spotlight?

Pete Alonso’s Passion for Team USA Runs Deep

Pete Alonso’s love for international competition has never been a secret. After participating in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and watching the intensity and pride on display, Alonso has made it clear that playing for Team USA again in 2026 is one of his top career priorities. It’s not just about personal accolades—it’s about representing the country and competing on a global stage.

Alonso has stated in interviews that the WBC environment reminded him of playoff baseball on steroids: “The energy, the fans, the emotion—it’s unlike anything else.” That emotional pull has ignited his 2025 campaign with the Mets, where he’s focused not only on contributing to the team’s success but also on proving that he’s still among the top first basemen in baseball.

For Coach Mark DeRosa, choosing the right roster is about chemistry, power, versatility, and leadership. Alonso’s power is undeniable, but will that be enough in a year filled with first-base juggernauts?

The Statistical Battle: Pete Alonso vs Matt Olson and Bryce Harper

When it comes to numbers, Alonso has stiff competition in Matt Olson and Bryce Harper, two of the most consistent and dangerous hitters in the game. Olson’s 2023 campaign saw him lead the league in home runs, and Harper, despite battling injuries, has returned with a vengeance, showing his elite bat speed and postseason clutch factor.

However, Alonso isn’t going quietly into the night. As of April 2025, he’s hitting .276 with 9 home runs and 25 RBIs in the first month of the season. He’s working with Mets hitting coach Jeremy Barnes to improve his approach against off-speed pitches and make better contact with runners in scoring position—something that dogged him during the 2023 season.

Meanwhile, Matt Olson continues to display his gold glove-caliber defense at first base, and Harper has shown remarkable versatility, transitioning to first base for the Phillies when needed while still dominating with the bat. That flexibility gives them a slight edge in DeRosa’s eyes, but Alonso’s raw power remains a unique weapon.

In a head-to-head breakdown:

• Alonso: 40+ HR potential, average defense, great locker-room presence

• Olson: 45 HR power, elite glove, consistent OBP

• Harper: MVP talent, clutch playoff performer, lefty bat with positional versatility

It will take more than just decent numbers for Alonso to edge out two superstars who have the attention of every national team selector.

What Pete Alonso Must Do in 2025 to Secure a Roster Spot

To get back into the WBC conversation, Alonso knows he has to do more than just hit home runs. He needs to show that he can be a complete player and consistent run producer, especially in high-leverage situations. In the past, Alonso’s power has been both a blessing and a curse—pitchers often game-plan around him, and when his timing is off, slumps can stretch for weeks.

That’s why in spring training 2025, Alonso focused on:

• Shortening his swing path

• Increasing his walk rate

• Improving his defensive footwork

The results have been promising. Through the early 2025 season, Alonso has cut down on his strikeouts, hitting better in two-strike counts and showing improved range at first base. His hard-hit percentage is among the top 10 in the league, and scouts have noticed.

To separate himself, Alonso must:

1. Finish the 2025 MLB season with at least 35 home runs and 100+ RBIs

2. Show a high OPS against top-tier pitchers (those likely to represent other WBC teams)

3. Display steady leadership on and off the field

4. Possibly volunteer for DH duties if that makes Team USA stronger overall

Coach DeRosa has emphasized that team chemistry and clutch performance in pressure will play a big role in selections, not just star power or statistics. Alonso’s fire and grit could tilt the scales in his favor—if he backs them up with results.

Alonso’s Leadership and Intangibles Could Give Him the Edge

Numbers are important, but team culture is equally critical in international tournaments. Pete Alonso brings something unique to the dugout: emotion, energy, and a visible love for the game. He is often seen hyping up teammates, joking in the clubhouse, and celebrating every win like it’s a playoff game.

DeRosa, who values strong leadership, spoke in 2023 about Alonso’s presence during team practices: “Pete brings juice. Every time we took the field, his energy lifted the group. That matters when you’re going through back-to-back elimination games.”

Additionally, Alonso’s humility and work ethic stand out. While Harper may command headlines and Olson brings an elite resume, Alonso represents the “blue-collar” side of baseball—a relentless worker with a chip on his shoulder.

In a long tournament where the pressure is immense, DeRosa may lean toward having a team-first guy who can play a smaller role without ego. That’s where Alonso could win hearts—by embracing a part-time DH or pinch-hitter role if it helps Team USA.

Can Pete Alonso Compete Against Global Talent Like Never Before?

The 2026 World Baseball Classic promises to be even more competitive than 2023, with countries like Japan, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela boasting all-time rosters stacked with MLB talent. Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and others will represent the best of international baseball, and Team USA must match that energy and depth.

If Alonso is included, he’ll need to bring more than just muscle. Against top-tier international pitching, where velocity and off-speed mastery reign, Alonso must prove he can adjust quickly and produce in key at-bats. That means grinding out long plate appearances, hitting to all fields, and staying composed under pressure.

There’s also a chance that Alonso could play a specialized role—perhaps as a late-inning pinch hitter against left-handed pitching or as a backup DH. DeRosa’s final roster decisions will factor in flexibility, and if Alonso is willing to be adaptable, his chances of inclusion improve significantly.