Mets give up on Darin Ruf after disastrous run with team

The Mets have accepted failure with their trade for Darin Ruf by designating the righty hitter for assignment, The Post has learned.

The Mets decided they would rather have Tim Locastro’s speed off the bench in a year when new rules are expected to enhance stolen bases over continuing to try to revive Ruf in New York.

The Mets currently owe Ruf $3.25 million – $3 million for 2023 and $250,000 as a buyout on a $3.5 million option for 2024.

They have until Monday to trade him and try to offset some of that money.

After that, Ruf would become a free agent and can then sign for the major league minimum, with the Mets responsible for the rest.

Based on Ruf’s track record of production against lefty pitching, the Mets obtained him at the trade deadline last Aug. 2 for J.D. Davis and pitching prospects Carson Seymour, Thomas Szapucki and Nick Zwack.

They hoped he would be the designated hitter against lefty pitching.

The Mets designated Darin Ruf for assignment. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

But Ruf was a disaster, hitting .152 without a homer in 74 plate appearances for the Mets.

He hit just .149 with a .428 OPS vs. lefty pitchers.

He had hit .252 with an .886 vs. lefties for the Giants in 132 plate appearances.

This spring training was more of the same – poor performance and growing negativity around the player.

Ruf, 36, received a cortisone shot for an ailing wrist in February and struggled this spring, going 5-for-30 (.167) without a homer.

It had become evident he was overwhelmed trying to right himself for a New York team.

He was a growing target of fan derision for both his failures and for assuming a roster spot that the faithful more and more were hoping would go to a prospect such as Brett Baty or Mark Vientos.

Both were instead optioned to Triple-A.