4 Mets players under contract next year that the fans are ready to move on from

2) NY Mets will have to trade or release Darin Ruf

Darin Ruf’s slow start to his time with the Mets is a little more difficult to end than Rodriguez. Under contract for $3 million next season, the Mets have a tougher time parting with him.

It’s still not impossible. The Mets could always DFA and release him. They should first look to find a trade partner. Someone might nibble in a low-profile deal for a 26-year-old in Double-A on his last legs.

Ruf is a poor fit for the 2023 Mets regardless of his performance. While it could make sense to move forward with Daniel Vogelbach as part of a DH platoon, the team has far more affordable and intriguing options for the right-handed part of it. Even if they ultimately ended up simply using someone like Pete Alonso or Mark Canha as the right-handed DH when the team faces a lefty, it seems to be an improvement over a full year of Vogelbach/Ruf.

Other possibilities to pair with Vogelbach include Mark Vientos and even Francisco Alvarez. We’re all fully aware that the Mets have a tough situation behind the plate. Alvarez on the major league roster in more than just a catcher role could be something we see but it’s doubtful.

It’s fortunate Ruf isn’t on an expensive contract. It’s movable, eatable, and something that won’t hold the Mets back.