Mets' Pete Alonso again defends World Baseball Classic despite Diaz injury

New York Mets star slugger Pete Alonso isn't changing his tune regarding the World Baseball Classic even though closer Edwin Diaz won't be on the active roster anytime soon. 

"It’s just an addicting feeling," Alonso said upon returning from Team USA to the Mets, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. "And to play playoff-type baseball early this year I think is going to be an extremely important experience and learning thing for me." 

Before Diaz suffered a right patellar tendon tear while celebrating a WBC win with Puerto Rico teammates last week, Alonso compared playing in the tournament to featuring for the Mets in the MLB playoffs this past October. New York lost its Wild Card series to the San Diego Padres in three games. 

"I am just happy I did it because I got a taste of playoff baseball, it was short-lived, only three games last year, and the result wasn’t there but I wanted more," Alonso continued. "And to be able to jump right in during spring and be able to experience that and participate, it’s really special." 

Alonso, along with fellow Mets players Jeff McNeil and Francisco Lindor, have all indicated they would play in another WBC, with the next tournament occurring in 2026. 

Diaz was arguably the best overall relief pitcher in MLB last season, and what he means to teammates behind the scenes has repeatedly been mentioned since his freak injury. 

"The one thing I am going to miss is who he is as a person, his impact in the clubhouse on a day-to-day basis, not just on the field," Alonso said of Diaz. Alonso was also realistic about the right-hander possibly returning to action as soon as this fall. 

"One can be hopeful that [Diaz] comes back and pitches in the playoffs, but his body is going to pretty much dictate everything, so I just want him to get back as quickly and healthy as possible," Alonso said. 

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred have both campaigned for more stars to participate in the next WBC. Mets fans may not remember this year's competition quite as fondly as Arenado, Manfred and others depending on the state of the team's bullpen and record come October.