New York Mets’ trade deadline acquisitions all fit the same theme
Apr 8, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets manager Buck Showalter (11) walks the dugout during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets did not seem to do a whole lot ahead of Tuesday’s MLB non-waiver trade deadline. But a closer look at their moves reveals their acquisitions all fit the same theme.
The Mets acquired Daniel Vogelbach, Tyler Naquin and Darin Ruf ahead of this year’s deadline. None of the three players have stats that would blow you away. But if you look at their splits, that’s where the difference is notable.
Vogelbach is batting just .236 with a .790 OPS this season. He has a .415 OPS against lefties. However, the left-handed hitter has a .918 OPS against right-handers.
Ruf is batting .216 with a .701 OPS this season. Against right-handers, he has a .570 OPS. However, he has an .886 OPS against lefties this season.
Vogelbach and Ruf can form quite a platoon at DH, with Vogelbach crushing right-handed pitchers, and Ruf destroying lefties.
Mets have acquired Vogelbach and Ruf to platoon at DH and these are splits that they will get ABs at:
Vogelbach vs righties: .274 AVG, .385 OBP, .922 OPS, 12 HR, 27 RBI, 156 wRC+
Ruf vs lefties: .257 AVG, .364 OBP, .896 OPS, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 151 wRC+
— NYM Stats (@nym_stats) August 3, 2022
Naquin is batting .249 with a .752 OPS this season. He has a .518 OPS against lefties and .819 OPS against right-handers.
Naquin and Mark Canha wouldn’t form quite such a complementary tandem in left since both are better at hitting right-handed pitchers. However, Naquin is another nice DH and outfield option to have against right-handed pitchers.
Not only did the Mets add three players who are strong platoon players, but they also got Jacob deGrom back this week. His return to the team will likely be the best addition of all.
The Mets seem to be well set up for a playoff run this season.