10 bold Mets predictions for the 2023 season

7) Bold NY Mets prediction: Darin Ruf is DFA’d then traded in May

It’s very hard to imagine a scenario where Darin Ruf survives the entire year with the Mets. They’re going to need the roster spot for one of the young kids. His is the easiest to move on from. Ruf is certain to get DFA’d by the Mets and I actually predict they’re able to find a trade partner in May.

Think of Ruf as an emergency addition for a playoff-hopeful team who loses their starting first baseman or right fielder to an injury. Clubs without much depth could turn to the Mets and Ruf for a little bit of help, especially if they have a left-handed platoon partner to pair with him. Ruf isn’t a good fit for the Mets roster and what they have behind him on the depth chart. Somewhere else, when all options are exhausted, he could be their Billy McKinney.

8) Bold NY Mets prediction: Kodai Senga finishes the year in the bullpen

One of the Mets starting pitchers is bound to land in the bullpen this year. Questions about Kodai Senga in a Major League Baseball rotation could have him changing roles, but not necessarily because he isn’t pitching well.

Senga last pitched over 150 innings back in 2019 when he made 26 starts for Softbank. On the Mets, unless they regularly skip his spot in the rotation, year one could have him moving to the bullpen in September. This plan could also keep him fresher for the postseason. In whatever role he’s assigned, the Mets will want him available.