Mets’ Alonso named to All-Star team while Nimmo, Lindor ignored

PITTSBURGH — The Mets have just one All-Star so far: Pete Alonso.

Neither Brandon Nimmo nor Francisco Lindor were selected through the player poll or by MLB to represent their team and the National League at the Midsummer Classic on July 16.

For Alonso, this is his fourth selection in five seasons. The sense of satisfaction that comes with it never changes, he said.

“I feel really blessed,” said a very enthusiastic Alonso. “It’s really elite company. It’s such an honour. I’m very humbled and very happy to be taking part. It’s really cool. Really, really cool.”

Asked if he would participate in the Home Run Derby again, his usual routine, he said, “Oh, you’ll see. Yeah. You’ll see.”

Lindor and Nimmo are still eligible to be selected as injury replacements in the coming days.

But the Mets staff was somewhat surprised that they had not yet been chosen.

“I’ve done what I can do,” Nimmo said. “I’m just not winning the popularity contest right now.”

Lindor said: “I would have liked to have made it, but it’s part of it. Not everyone can make it. I’m sure those who did make it will have some great years. Congratulations.”

Manager Carlos Mendoza said: “I think we could have named a few other guys, but proud of Pete… I still hope they get a chance to come in.”

Nimmo ranks second among NL outfielders with 2.8 Wins Above Replacement, according to FanGraphs. Lindor ranks third among shortstops in the league with 3.3 WAR.

Lindor has not been an All-Star in his four seasons with the Mets. Nimmo has never been an All-Star in his career.

Mendoza informed Alonso of the honor for the Mets’ 3-2 victory over the Pirates on Sunday. His method: strike up a serious-sounding conversation, drag the first baseman into his office.

“I was a bit confused,” Alonso said. “I thought, what? What’s going on? He said, ‘Hey, I need to talk to you,’ and acted very serious. But it was good.”

Alonso has had a solid first half, albeit with the lowest OPS (.789) of his career. With a team-high 18 home runs, he is on track for what would be his lowest total over a full season.

“He got hot and then he got cold,” Mendoza said. “He’s a guy who can carry us. I like the at-bats lately. I think he’s making progress on the chases. But the impact is there. He’s a game-changer. When he’s up to bat, anything can happen.”

Alonso said: “I’m very happy with some parts, but I’m really looking forward to the better things to come.”

Unless there is a change, he will travel to Arlington, Texas, alone for the All-Star festivities.

“They’ve played their tails off,” Alonso said of Nimmo and Lindor. “Those guys have proven they can be there. They’re playing at a super high level. There’s still time.”