Pete Alonso will swing away in the Home Run Derby

Pete Alonso will be in Cleveland during All-Star festivities, shooting for the fences.

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The Mets slugger has accepted an invitation to the Home Run Derby, he said Friday, and will participate whether or not he is selected to the National League All-Star team.

“It’s just something I have always looked forward to,” the rookie said before the Mets opened a series against the Braves at Citi Field. “I grew up kind of the same person I am now. Kind of just a big power hitter and something like, ‘Man, hopefully I get to do this someday,’ so I am really excited and hopefully I get to be in the game, too.”

Alonso entered Friday tied for second in the NL with 27 homers. Last weekend he broke Darryl Strawberry’s franchise rookie record by hitting his 27th homer.

Participants in the Home Run Derby on July 8 select their own pitcher. Alonso picked his cousin, Derek Morgan, a former infielder at St. Bonaventure. The two held a practice session last week before a game in Atlanta.

“He lays it in there good,” Alonso said. “He’s got a good arm slot, usually catchers and infielders are really good at throwing BP, and he’s a second baseman. He’s got a nice, good arm for me and easy arm slot. I am looking forward to it. It’s going to be awesome.”

But Alonso is also aware that players — most recently Aaron Judge in 2017 — have returned from the Home Run Derby and endured slumps. David Wright struggled to regain his previous form after participating in the event for the Mets in 2006.

“I understand that the Home Run Derby is a really special event, but I guess I am going into it conscious, like the important thing is performing during the season,” Alonso said. “I want to do the best that I can during the derby, but at the time I am going to be conscious of the season and playing for my team is the utmost priority. For me this is something fun, trying to win it obviously, but I think it’s just for me. I want to go out there and have fun and represent the Mets in a real great way.”

Already, Alonso is receiving scouting reports on Progressive Field in Cleveland, a ballpark in which he has never played.

“Todd [Frazier] actually gave me the scoop and he said the ball travels to right-center, so if anyone else wants to give me some pointers, whoever played there,” Alonso said. “I will talk to Mickey [Callaway] and I will talk to Robbie [Cano], because I know Robbie was in the American League and I will ask him how it flies.”