What Pete Alonso revealed about missing Team USA call and declining Italy offer for 2026 World Baseball Classic

First baseman Pete Alonso recently spoke honestly about his absence from the 2026 World Baseball Classic. While many Major League Baseball stars joined the tournament, Alonso revealed that he was never invited to represent United States national baseball team this year. Even so, he made it clear that his personal life played a big role in his decision about international baseball this season.

The power hitter shared his thoughts during a conversation with the show “Four Territory.” Alonso said that even if Team USA had called him, he likely would have declined the invitation. The reason was simple. He and his wife recently became first time parents, and he wanted to spend that time with his family. Meanwhile, the 2026 tournament continued without him, as Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals after Italy defeated Mexico to finish first in Pool A.

Pete Alonso says family life influenced decision after Team USA did not invite him and Team Italy reached out

During the interview on Four Territory, Pete Alonso explained that he never received an invitation from Team USA for the 2026 tournament. Instead of sounding frustrated, the slugger spoke calmly about the situation and said he understood how these decisions work.

“No, they did not, and that’s fine for me,” Alonso said. “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.”

Alonso also revealed that another national team did reach out. Because of his heritage, he was contacted by Italy national baseball team. Still, the timing did not work for him. “I was also asked by Team Italy, which was great, but the personal circumstance just didn’t line up,” Alonso added.

The five time All Star is now focused on the next stage of his Major League career. After becoming a free agent following the 2025 season, Alonso signed a major deal with the Baltimore Orioles. In December, the Orioles agreed to a five year contract worth $155 million, adding one of the league’s most powerful hitters to their lineup.

Even without Alonso, Team USA still entered the tournament with a star filled roster led by Aaron Judge. The squad also features big names like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Alex Bregman and Paul Skenes.

Interestingly, one of the biggest surprises of the tournament came when Italy defeated Team USA 8–6 earlier in the competition. The result caught many fans off guard and became one of the talking points of the tournament.

Alonso knows the pressure of the event well. He represented Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where the Americans reached the final before losing to Japan in the championship game.

For now, Alonso appears comfortable with his decision. Between starting a new chapter with the Orioles and focusing on family life, the slugger made it clear that skipping the 2026 tournament simply felt like the right move.