"I want to draw from those big-game experiences and apply them" – Pete Alonso hopes to bring his World Baseball Classic experience to New York Mets

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who served as the designated hitter for Team USA, hopes to bring the experience he gleaned from international competition back to MLB play.

Alonso told The Athletic that he viewed the WBC as a bonus MLB postseason for him, and he hopes to use what he learned from the international tournament to his advantage in a hoped-for World Series run this October.

Pete Alonso officially has one postseason to his credit, albeit one that ended early in a National League Wild Card Series loss to the San Diego Padres. Alonso performed decently in the playoff defeat, hitting .300 with one solo home run and two runs scored. However, he is hoping for more out of himself and the New York Mets going forward, and wants his time with Team USA to be the directional arrow.

"To play in those high-leverage games, especially right out of the chute, that experience is going to be super valuable." said Alonso.

"I got a taste of playoff baseball that was pretty short-lived, only three games, last year. The result wasn’t there, but I wanted more. To be able to jump right in during spring and be able to experience that and participate, it’s really special."

"That playoff environment, I honestly feel that it’s trial by fire. Those high-leverage reps early in the year gave me a pretty good reminder of what I need to do not only to be physically ready for the season but how to control emotions in a super tense situation, whether it be a big series in the year or in the playoffs. I want to draw from those big-game experiences and apply them."

Thursday was Pete Alonso's first time back in a game with the New York Mets. He went 0-for-4 in a 2-2 tie against the Atlanta Braves in a Spring Training matchup.

Pete Alonso has become a rock for New York Mets

Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a three-run home run

Pete Alonso only has four MLB seasons under his belt, but has already become the face of the New York Mets offense.

After bursting upon the scene with a 53-home run first season that easily won him the NL Rookie of the Year award, Alonso continues to be the main cog that the Mets' offense runs through. In four-major league seasons, he has 146 homers, 380 RBIs, and a .261 batting average with a WAR of 14.2.