Mets' Alonso commits to Team USA for 2023 WBC

Add the Polar Bear to the United States' growing list of superstars at the World Baseball Classic.

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has committed to Team USA at next year's WBC, Major League Baseball announced. The Tampa native will be a first-time participant in the event.

Alonso brings even more superstar presence to what's looking like the best squad Team USA will have ever fielded in the tournament. Bryce Harper, Trevor Story, Paul Goldschmidt, J.T. Realmuto, and Mike Trout have already committed to the squad, with Trout serving as team captain.

Team USA is looking to defend its WBC championship after winning the event for the first time in 2017. Its first-round pool play against Pool C opponents Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and a fifth country that advances from the qualification tournaments will run from March 11-15 in Phoenix. Qualification rounds will begin in September.

Alonso is enjoying another fine season for the Mets, hitting .277/.356/.530 with 29 homers and a National League-leading 97 RBIs.