On August 2, 2022, Ruf was traded to the New York Mets from an unspecified team in exchange for J. D. Davis, Carson Seymour, Nick Zwack, and Thomas Szapucki.

Ruf made his debut with the Mets on August 5, entering the game as a pinch hitter for Tyler Naquin and subsequently playing in left field.

Darin Ruf’s pitching appearance for the New York Mets on August 15, 2022, was a notable and unique moment in his career. During this game against the Atlanta Braves, Ruf took the mound and threw two scoreless innings. This accomplishment marked him as the first regular position player for the Mets to pitch multiple innings in a single game.

It’s not common for position players to take on pitching duties, especially for an extended period, and when it does happen, it often adds an element of intrigue and surprise to the game. Ruf’s ability to contribute as a pitcher showcased his versatility and willingness to take on different roles for the team, even in the midst of a challenging season.

While the game may have ended in a loss for the Mets, Ruf’s pitching performance likely stood out as a memorable and unexpected highlight, both for fans and within the context of Mets’ history.

Ruf appeared in 28 games for the Mets down the stretch, limping to a .152/.216/.197 slash with no home runs and 7 RBI.

Darin Ruf’s comments provide a glimpse into the personal and emotional challenges he faced during a pivotal time in his life and career. Losing a loved one, particularly a parent, can be an incredibly difficult experience, and Ruf’s acknowledgment that he was still mourning his father’s death highlights the emotional weight he was carrying.

In addition to personal grief, Ruf also mentioned the challenges associated with playing in New York City. The city’s sports landscape is known for its passionate fanbase and intense media scrutiny. Athletes in major markets like New York often face heightened expectations and increased scrutiny, and Ruf’s candid admission of struggling with the pressure is a testament to the unique challenges that come with playing in such a high-profile environment.

These insights underscore the human side of professional sports, reminding us that athletes, like anyone else, navigate personal trials and tribulations alongside the demands of their careers. It’s a reminder that beyond the statistics and on-field performances, athletes are individuals with their own stories, emotions, and struggles.

On March 27, 2023, Darin Ruf faced a significant roster move with the New York Mets. He was designated for assignment, a procedural transaction often made when a team needs to create space on the roster for another player. In this case, the addition of Tommy Hunter to the roster likely prompted Ruf’s designation for assignment.

Being designated for assignment doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a player’s tenure with a team, but it does open the possibility for the player to be claimed off waivers by another team or to negotiate a new deal with the team that designated them. However, in the subsequent course of events:

On April 2, 2023, the Mets took the next step by releasing Darin Ruf. This means that Ruf cleared waivers (if he was placed on waivers) and became a free agent. As a free agent, he would have the opportunity to explore potential opportunities with other teams if he chose to continue his professional baseball career.

Player transactions like these are part of the regular dynamics in baseball as teams make adjustments to their rosters based on various factors, including performance, team needs, and strategic considerations.

Ruf signed as a free agent with the San Francisco Giants on April 8, 2023. A month later he was released and then signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and was released at the end of 2023 baseball season.