All-rounder Dominic Thornely and former Victorian wicketkeeper Adam Crosthwaite have failed to win contracts with New South Wales for the 2010-11 season.
The Blues announced their squad for the coming summer when contracts were finalised on Friday.
In a bid to revive his career, Thornley has nominated for Cricket Australia's national draft.
Crosthwaite will stay with Sydney grade club Manly and told the Manly Daily he still harboured hopes of playing for NSW.
"My whole reason behind the move from Victoria to NSW is to play shield cricket, that hasn't changed," Crosthwaite said.
"It's frustrating, but I guess I came here with an 18-month plan, that's still on the cards."
"My goal is to be playing (for NSW) by Christmas this year."
Wanting more opportunity, Crosthwaite left the Bushrangers at the end of last season after losing his Shield spot to Matthew Wade.
But the 25-year-old couldn't pip Daniel Smith and Peter Neville as the Blues' preferred back-up to their Australian keeper Brad Haddin.
The Blues have promoted quick Trent Copeland, who made his Sheffield Shield debut last season and took an extraordinary 35 wickets in five matches.
On debut, the 24-year-old snared 8-92 against Queensland at the SCG in January.
Pace bowlers Stuart Clark and Nathan Bracken, who lost their Cricket Australia contracts, return to the Blues' state list.
For the KFC Big Bash, the Blues have signed Sri Lankan opening batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan on a Twenty20 contract.
Pending the approval of the Sri Lankan Board, Dilshan will join the NSW squad in December.
Aaron Bird and Greg Mail have retired while Grant Lambert, Daniel Burns, Scott Henry, Simon Keen, Josh Lalor and Phillip Wells were also de-listed.
Rookies include: Tim Armstrong (Eastern Suburbs), Nic Maddinson (Sutherland), Joe Mennie (Western Suburbs), Adam Zampa (Eastern Suburbs) and Timm Van Der Gugten (University of NSW).
Luke Doran (Fairfield-Liverpool) retained his rookie contract from last season.