MLB All-Star Game snubs: Lindor, Kimbrel among biggest omissions

The rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game are complete after Major League Baseball announced the reserves and pitchers Sunday.

While the rosters for each league are stacked with talent, there were some surprising omissions on both squads.

Let's take a look at who didn't make the cut.

American League

Craig Kimbrel, RP, Orioles

Kimbrel missed out on his 10th All-Star team despite ranking second in the AL in wins and saves, and fourth in K/9 among qualified relievers. He's also blown less saves than Clay Holmes of the New York Yankees, who made the team.

Brent Rooker, DH, A's

Mason Miller was a deserving candidate to represent the A's, but Rooker should be on the squad, too. The 29-year-old ranks top 10 in the AL in homers and slugging percentage, and he has a higher wRC+ than Bobby Witt Jr., Rafael Devers, Carlos Correa, and Riley Greene, all of whom were All-Star selections.

Josh Smith, IF, Rangers

The Rangers are sending two players to the Midsummer Classic, and neither of them are Smith, who has excelled while filling in for injured starters. The infielder ranks ahead of teammate and All-Star pick Marcus Semien in fWAR, wRC+, and FanGraphs offensive rating, while playing a variety of positions at an above-average level.

Kenley Jansen, RP, Red Sox

Snubbing Jansen makes little sense. He's only blown one save, hasn't allowed a homer, and opposing hitters are batting .198 against him. He's also got a lower ERA than Miller and walks fewer hitters per nine than All-Star selection Kirby Yates.

National League

Francisco Lindor, SS, Mets

An awful start to the season, plus playing a position stacked with All-Star-caliber players, likely prevented Lindor from making the NL roster. But he merits a spot. The Mets' shortstop has been the seventh-most valuable player in his league by fWAR, ranks top 10 in NL steals, and is tied for third in MLB in fielding run value among shortstops.

Christian Walker, 1B, D-Backs

Walker has been one of the most productive first basemen in the NL for three consecutive seasons, but it's a tall task to make the squad while playing in the same league as Freddie Freeman and Bryce Harper. Nonetheless, Walker ranks ahead of All-Star pick Pete Alonso in homers, RBIs, slugging percentage, wRC+, and fWAR. He should be on the team.

Cristopher Sánchez, SP, Phillies

Adding another Phillies player to a roster that already includes seven selections from the club might be overkill, but an All-Star team is supposed to feature the best players, and Sánchez is one of them. The southpaw ranks first in HR/9 and GB%, second in FIP, fourth in fWAR, and fifth in ERA among qualified NL starters.

Brandon Nimmo, OF, Mets

If not Lindor, then give the Mets' representation at the Midsummer Classic to Nimmo. The outfielder has been one of New York's most consistent performers, ranking first in runs scored, second in fWAR, and third in on-base percentage and wRC+ among qualified NL outfielders.