3 ways Billy Eppler muffed the DH spot in the lineup

2) The Mets needed someone better than Darin Ruf to pair with Daniel Vogelbach

Let’s preach to the choir. The Darin Ruf trade is going to go down as one of the worst the Mets have ever made at the trade deadline. For four players, including the capable major league bat of Davis, the Mets added Ruf to be the right-handed half of their DH platoon with Daniel Vogelbach.

Ruf’s inability to hit against pitchers of either handedness has been a two-month headache. His IL stint in the final week opened up an opportunity for Alvarez. It was too little, too late.

There were definitely other players the Mets could have acquired at the trade deadline instead of Ruf. Brandon Drury, who had some of the best numbers in the league versus lefties, ended up getting traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the San Diego Padres. His numbers did decline following the trade but it’s far better than anything the Mets have gotten out of Ruf.

The deal for Ruf seemed rushed and awkward. It made sense if he was handed to them for free. He wasn’t.

This singular trade capped off a rather underwhelming MLB trade deadline for Eppler. If there’s one way to positively spin it, at least the struggles of Ruf distracted from the lack of a big bullpen arm. Mychal Givens just won’t cut it.