The 2024 MLB All-Star Game will take place Tuesday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX where the highly-anticipated contest will feature many of the premier players of the sport. Yet, some stars were seemingly snubbed out of an appearance in the big game, and fans are letting MLB know it.
Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo surprisingly did not earn his first All-Star Game selection. The 31-year-old is among the top outfielders in the NL in WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and leads the Mets with 63 RBI. As arguably the top offensive player on a team that is currently in a playoff spot, it is shocking to see Nimmo not earn the nod.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco, who has a robust 9-4 record and 2.56 ERA, did not make the AL All-Star team. The 30-year-old has been an anchor in an Astros rotation that has seen Justin Verlander, Luis Garcia, and Cristian Javier all go down with serious injuries. With Houston overcoming a dreadful start to now be in playoff contention, it doesn’t add up that Blanco is not an All-Star.
Francisco Lindor was another shocking snub. The 30-year-old looked poised to earn his first All-Star selection since 2019 and first with the Mets, but it did not happen. The leadoff man for the Mets has 17 home runs and 18 stolen bases to compound terrific defense at shortstop. Lindor has seemingly been overlooked during his time with the Mets.
Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen was an extremely surprising snub. The four-time All-Star has been terrific in Boston with 19 saves to just one blown save (95% of save opportunities converted). Yankees closer Clay Holmes surprisingly made the AL All-Star team, despite having 21 saves to six blown saves (77.8% of save opportunities converted). Holmes also has a 2.77 ERA, much higher than Jansen’s at 2.16.
Christian Walker of the Arizona Diamondbacks has had an excellent season both offensively and defensively, yet he did not earn his first All-Star selection. The 33-year-old first baseman has 22 home runs and 66 RBI to go along with sound defense. Walker has a strong .837 OPS, much higher than Mets All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, who is at a mark of .772.
Oakland Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker could have easily made his second consecutive All-Star Game. Rooker has been a bright spot in what has been a futile A’s offense, as he has 21 home runs and 62 RBI to go along with a .942 OPS. Closer Mason Miller was a lock to make the big game, but it is still surprising that Rooker didn’t get in to give the team multiple representatives.
Brewers second baseman Brice Turang certainly could have been an All-Star. The 24-year-old has swiped 30 bags to go along with a solid .341 OBP. The youngster truly shines with his glove, as he leads the entire NL with 1.9 dWAR (Defensive Wins Above Replacement). Turang will likely have many more opportunities to make the All-Star game, especially with his already elite defense.
Yankees starter Luis Gil was a somewhat surprising omit from the AL All-Star team. The 26-year-old has been very solid with New York, owning a strong 3.17 ERA and 10-5 record. While he went through some immense struggles for a stretch, he ended his first half with a strong start and a win against the Baltimore Orioles. It would have been Gil’s first All-Star selection, but he should have plenty of opportunities in the future.
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