Brandon Nimmo Is Not On The All-Star Ballot, But He Deserves To Play In The Game

by Tim Fitzpatrick June 02, 2018

When it comes to the All-Star game, Major League Baseball has dropped the ball once again. This blatant, inexcusable oversight is sure to draw the ire of baseball fans everywhere, and assuredly makes America’s Pastime just a little less fun.

BRANDON. NIMMO. IS. NOT. ON. THE. ALL-STAR. BALLOT.

The MLB's method of allowing fans to vote 35 times each of course leads to some deserving players not finding their way to the Mid-Summer Classic. Ultimately it's just an exhibition game that matters very little, but it's always enjoyable to see players receive recognition when they've earned it. Even with managers selecting their bench players, there is a snub or two every year who had a case for being an All-Star, and it would be a shame for a player like Nimmo to not make it because of his place on the depth chart in late-March.

This same issue came up in 2017 during Michael Conforto’s break-out campaign, as both players began the year as a backup outfielder. But like Conforto, Smiley has seized the opportunity afforded him, and has become one of the most fun and exciting players to watch in the league. Conforto, of course, did end up making the All-Star team thanks to his peers. He was a late addition thanks to the player vote.

His name? @You_Found_Nimmo
His job? The happiest man in baseball! pic.twitter.com/V6QuhRaii2
— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) May 31, 2018

Nimmo’s .436 On-Base Percentage ranks number one among National League outfielders, and his recent power surge (he now has seven bombs on the year) has given him a ridiculous 1.033 OPS, which is fourth in the majors behind superstars like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and J.D. Martinez. Since taking over the leadoff spot full-time, Nimmo has truly played like a superstar.

And if you’d rather have the All-Star exhibition comprised of only the most enjoyable players to watch, Nimmo fits that bill, as well. He oozes enthusiasm for the game of baseball, and his nearly-constant smile has quickly made him one of the most popular Mets to root for. There’s no doubt the national audience will fall in love with him, too. They deserve to see the league's fastest home run trot on the national stage.

By the time this ball landed, @You_Found_Nimmo was almost at 2nd base. #HustleLikeNimmo https://t.co/QmvtqZ1WVL
— The 7 Line (@The7Line) June 2, 2018

So now that All-Star voting is open, make sure you squeeze Smiley into that write-in box. By any metric you wish to choose, Brandon Nimmo is an All-Star. It’s unfortunately now up to us to make it official.