New York Mets rookie Pete Alonso, whose 28 home runs rank second in the majors, said he has accepted an invitation to take part in the Home Run Derby on July 8 in Cleveland.

Alonso told reporters on Friday that he is hoping to have a good time in the event televised on ESPN -- and he's going to try to win it.

Alonso said his cousin Derek Morgan will pitch to him in the All-Star competition.

"I just want to go out there and have fun and represent the Mets in a great way," Alonso said.

He said he thinks he can win it if he keeps everything simple.

"I just need to say, 'It's my cuzzo throwing me BP, it's gonna be awesome,'" the first baseman said.

Alonso, 24, is hitting .279 with 18 doubles and 62 RBIs, and he already has set the franchise record for home runs by a rookie.

He homered in the fourth inning of the Mets' home game against the Atlanta Braves on Friday night, a solo shot off Mike Soroka.

Alonso will have extra incentive to win the Home Run Derby. The victor will get a $1 million prize this year. Alonso is making $555,000 in salary.