Mets Secure Mike Tauchman in Minor League Contract

The New York Mets have secured veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman under a minor league contract, as reported by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. Tauchman will join the team’s camp as a non-roster invitee, pending the completion of his physical.

Mets’ Outfield Competition

This agreement places Tauchman in a favorable position within a reshuffled outfield. With Juan Soto moving to left field and Luis Robert Jr. assigned to center, the right field position remains uncertain as the season approaches.

Recent Acquisitions

• The Mets recently signed MJ Melendez, a former Royals outfielder.
• Melendez is on the 40-man roster but has a minor league option.
• He is signed on a split contract, which offers lower pay when in Triple-A.

Despite being part of the roster, Melendez is not guaranteed a spot on the team. Tauchman’s main competition comes from Carson Benge, a top prospect within the Mets’ system.

Prospects and Performance

Carson Benge, a 23-year-old and first-round pick in 2024, is considered a leading prospect. He excelled at both the High-A and Double-A levels last year. However, his performance in Triple-A was less impressive, posting a .188 batting average over 24 games.

Benge’s high strikeout rate of 18% and an average exit velocity of 92 mph suggest potential for improvement, indicating that his struggles may have been due to bad luck. His performance during Spring Training might significantly influence Tauchman’s chances of making the final roster.

Mets’ Bench Dynamics

New York has limited bench spots available. Currently, Tyrone Taylor is secured in the fourth outfield role. Mark Vientos is also expected to occupy a spot on the MLB roster unless a trade alters that. Additionally, Luis Torrens has claimed a spot as a backup catcher.

There’s a need for a versatile infielder, particularly with Francisco Lindor’s potential absence due to a hamate injury. The leading candidates are Vidal Bruján and Ronny Mauricio.

Tauchman’s Track Record

If Tauchman makes the final roster, the Mets can anticipate contributions from him. He is known for being a high on-base percentage corner outfielder, showing consistent offensive performance over the past three years. Last season, he recorded a .263 batting average with a .356 on-base percentage and nine home runs across 385 plate appearances with the Chicago White Sox.

While teams recognize Tauchman as a valuable depth asset, he has faced non-tendering from both the Cubs and White Sox in recent offseasons. His ability to carve out a niche for himself on the Mets may hinge on how well he performs, particularly in the upcoming Spring Training.