New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz said he is open to playing in the World Baseball Classic in 2026 despite suffering a major injury in a past tournament.

Mets Make Pete Alonso Announcement After Hand Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports. New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is back in the lineup and will start Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, the team confirmed on X. He'll bat fourth behind Juan Soto.

Diaz recently told Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post that he would be open to playing for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. During the 2023 tournament, the New York righty suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating a win over the Dominican Republic.

From the moment A.J. Minter and Danny Young suffered season-ending injuries in April, it seemed clear which direction the Mets were headed. No matter what the team chose to pursue before the July 31 Trade Deadline,

Alonso could benefit from a day off. After a hot start to the season, where he batted .349 with a 1.143 OPS including nine home runs and 33 RBIs in his first 36 games, he’s really cooled off. He’s batting .237 with a .752 OPS, including 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in his next 63 games.

In 2025, Brandon Nimmo has gradually improved his numbers each month of the season and is currently riding a streak of 18 straight games reaching base,

Despite how his last World Baseball Classic experience ended, Edwin Díaz said he is hopeful but not 100 percent sure he will play in the 2026 WBC for Puerto Rico.

On the fourth pitch of an at-bat against Yankees closer Devin Williams, a high changeup, Marte motioned as if about to swing, but promptly stopped. For a brief second, he seemed to buckle on his left knee and could be seen grimacing.