3 players who could be traded after Carlos Correa signs and where they could go

3) The Mets need to trade Darin Ruf for anything they can get

There isn’t much exciting about a Darin Ruf trade. It’s purely done for the sake of clearing the roster spot. Where is a place for him to end up?

Something about both Florida teams seems right for Ruf. On the Tampa Bay Rays, he can join a unique roster in need of power. There is room for him to be a first base, DH, or even right fielder occasionally. The Rays are weird enough to want him and succeed with him on the roster.

The Miami Marlins could also find room. As long as Jorge Soler plays some left field, Ruf can be one of their main DH options. They, too, could use some pop. The Mets have acquired plenty of good players from the Marlins over the years. It’s time we do them a favor and offer up Ruf for free.

It’s hard to know exactly what the market for an aging veteran who finished so poorly would be. Ruf’s contract isn’t outrageous. One of the low-spending ball clubs that believes they can win are a destination. Even the Cleveland Guardians, with Ruf on the bench, make some sense.

Let’s go with the Rays on this one to keep him out of the National League East. We’ll take a low-level pitcher ranked last on their prospect list in return.