WBC to put Mets a few steps behind

The Mets could lose as many as 12 players from their spring-training roster due to the World Baseball Classic and even more minor leaguers. The WBC always complicates spring training, but this year it’s even trickier with so many rule changes being implemented.

The entire infield will be competing in MLB’s global baseball showcase. Buck Showalter confirmed that Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Francisco Lindor and Eduardo Escobar will all be competing for their respective countries in the WBC. Joining them will be Omar Narvaez, left-handed starter Jose Quintana and relievers Brooks Raley and Edwin Diaz, plus a handful of minor leaguers.

It’s not ideal, but the experience of playing in an international beston-best tournament isn’t something Showalter wants to take away from his players.

“Jeff is really excited,” Showalter said Tuesday night at Chelsea Piers, shortly after being honored at the 43rd annual Thurman Munson dinner. “So is Francisco. For Escobar, it was a big deal to him that he was asked and he wants to be a part of it. The pitchers have a lot of pride.”

The risk of injury is also there and no manager wants to see players leaving camp only to sit on the bench. Showalter has been in close communication with Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, as well as the managers from teams representing other countries.

“The worst thing would be for someone to leave and go and not play at all,” Showalter said. “And I know I’ve voiced that to managers and stuff. It’s fine and we’re excited and proud that they’re going, but they can’t come back and be way behind. You worry when guys start their clock up that quickly. But it’s good for the game in total.”

A few key players declined to play in the event. New righthander Kodai Senga has starred for Japan on the international stage in the past but he is skipping this year’s tournament in order to acclimate to playing in North America. Brandon Nimmo, who played for Italy in 2017, will not be participating this season.

Max Scherzer had previously expressed interest in playing for Team USA, but will remain in Port St. Lucie instead. The WBC begins March 8, which is a key time for Scherzer.

“He just felt like it was probably not in the best interest for this season,” Showalter said. “He’ll start ramping it up early.”