What Happened With Darin Ruf?

Darin Ruf is a professional baseball player who has had an interesting career in the sport. After spending several years playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, Ruf made the decision to play in Korea for three seasons before returning to the MLB with the San Francisco Giants in 2020.

In the offseason before the 2021 MLB season, Ruf was traded to the New York Mets as part of a deal that involved several other players. Since joining the Mets, Ruf has had the opportunity to revive his career in an environment where he previously found success.

We will take a closer look at what has happened with Darin Ruf and how his career has progressed over the years.

Darin Ruf’s Baseball Career

Darin Ruf’s baseball career began in 2009 when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the MLB draft. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues before finally making his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2012.

During his time with the Phillies, Ruf primarily played as a first baseman and left fielder. He was known for his power hitting and ability to hit home runs.

Over the course of his four seasons with the Phillies, Ruf played in 286 games and had a batting average of .240 with 35 home runs and 96 RBIs. Despite his power, Ruf struggled with consistency and was often seen as a liability on defense.

After the 2016 season, Ruf made the decision to play in Korea for three seasons. During his time there, he played for the Samsung Lions and was one of the top hitters in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).

He hit a total of 86 home runs and had a batting average of .313 in his three seasons in Korea. In 2020, Ruf returned to the MLB with the San Francisco Giants. He played in 54 games for the team and had a batting average of .276 with 5 home runs and 18 RBIs.

Ruf’s return to the MLB was seen as a success, as he was able to demonstrate that he still had the power hitting abilities that made him a valuable player earlier in his career.

Ruf’s 2020 Season With the Giants

In 2020, Darin Ruf played in 54 games for the San Francisco Giants, primarily as a designated hitter and pinch hitter. He had a batting average of .276 with 5 home runs and 18 RBIs, and his on-base percentage was .370.

Ruf’s performance was seen as a positive for the Giants, as he provided much-needed power to the team’s offense. His batting average was the third-highest on the team, and he was tied for second in home runs.

One notable moment for Ruf during the 2020 season came on August 25th, when he hit a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning to help the Giants secure a 10-8 victory.

The win was seen as a significant upset, as the Dodgers were one of the best teams in the league at the time.

Overall, Ruf’s impact on the Giants during the 2020 season was significant, as he provided much-needed power to the team’s lineup and helped them win several important games.

His success in his return to the MLB was encouraging, and it set the stage for what would come next in his career.

Trade to the Mets

In the offseason before the 2021 MLB season, Darin Ruf was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the New York Mets as part of a deal that involved several other players. In exchange for Ruf, the Giants received J.D. Davis and three pitching prospects: Carson Seymour, Thomas Szapucki, and Nick Zwack.

The trade was seen as a significant move for both teams. For the Mets, it provided them with a power-hitting first baseman who had shown success in the MLB and in Korea.

Ruf was also familiar with the Mets organization, as he had played for their Triple-A affiliate in 2019. His presence on the team was seen as a boost to their offense, which had struggled at times in recent years.

For the Giants, the trade allowed them to acquire J.D. Davis, who was seen as a potential starter at third base. They also received three promising pitching prospects who could help bolster their bullpen in the future.

Overall, the trade was seen as a win-win for both teams. The Mets got a valuable power hitter, while the Giants acquired several promising players who could help them in the long-term.

For Ruf, the trade provided him with a fresh start in an organization where he had previously found success.

Ruf’s 2021 Season With the Mets

Darin Ruf’s 2021 season with the New York Mets got off to a strong start. He was primarily used as a pinch hitter and designated hitter, but also played some games at first base and left field. In 46 games, he had a batting average of .262 with 4 home runs and 15 RBIs.

Ruf’s power-hitting abilities were on full display in several key moments throughout the season. On April 20th, he hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to help the Mets secure a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

The home run was seen as a significant moment for Ruf, as it helped the Mets secure a win against a tough opponent.

Another notable moment for Ruf came on May 21st, when he hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to help the Mets come from behind and defeat the Miami Marlins 5-4. The home run was seen as a turning point in the game, as it helped the Mets overcome a two-run deficit and secure a win.

Overall, Ruf’s performance with the Mets in the 2021 season has been solid. While he has not played as frequently as some other players on the team, he has provided valuable power hitting when called upon.

His presence has helped the Mets win several important games, and he remains a valuable asset to the team.

Here’s a Table Summarizing Darin Ruf’s Mlb Career Stats:

This table summarizes Darin Ruf’s career statistics, including his batting average, home runs, and RBIs across various seasons with different teams. It shows that Ruf had his most successful season in 2013 with the Phillies, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 30 RBIs in 73 games played.

FAQs

How did Darin Ruf perform in Korea before returning to the MLB?

Darin Ruf had an impressive stint in Korea, where he played for the Samsung Lions. In his three seasons with the team, he had a batting average of .313, hit 86 home runs, and drove in 292 RBIs.

What is Darin Ruf’s primary position?

Darin Ruf is primarily a first baseman, but he can also play in left field.

Has Darin Ruf won any awards or honors in his career?

Darin Ruf has not won any major awards or honors in his career, but he has been a valuable contributor to his teams and has had several notable moments throughout his career.

What is Darin Ruf’s approach to hitting?

Darin Ruf is known for his power-hitting abilities and his patient approach at the plate. He often works deep counts and waits for pitches that he can drive.

What are some of Darin Ruf’s hobbies and interests off the field?

Off the field, Darin Ruf enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and exploring new restaurants and food spots. He is also known for his love of music and enjoys playing guitar in his free time.

Conclusion

Darin Ruf has had a varied and interesting career in Major League Baseball. He initially played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2012 to 2016 before deciding to play in Korea for three seasons.

Upon his return to the MLB, Ruf joined the San Francisco Giants in 2020 and had a strong season, providing much-needed power to the team’s offense.

In the offseason before the 2021 season, Ruf was traded to the New York Mets, where he has continued to be a valuable contributor.

He has provided power-hitting abilities in key moments throughout the season and remains a valuable asset to the team. Overall, Ruf’s journey in baseball has been marked by resilience and adaptability.

He has shown that he can succeed at different levels of the game, and his ability to adjust to new environments and roles has served him well. As he continues his career, it will be exciting to see what else he can accomplish on the field.