The New York Mets have made a strategic move in their outfield lineup, signing outfielder Mike Tauchman to a minor league contract. This development, reported by Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, comes shortly after the Mets finalized a split contract with MJ Melendez, as they work to solidify their roster for the 2026 season.
With Juan Soto transitioning from right field to left and the recent acquisition of Luis Robert Jr. for center field, the right field position has become open for competition. Tauchman joins a mix of candidates, including Brett Baty, Carson Benge, Tyrone Taylor, and Melendez, vying for a spot in the lineup.
At 35 years old, Tauchman had a commendable 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox, achieving a batting line of .263/.356/.400 over 93 games. He demonstrated his power with nine home runs and 17 doubles, alongside an impressive walk percentage of 11.7%, ranking in the 84th percentile among his peers. Additionally, his Outfield Arm (OAA) efficiency remained average, suggesting he contributes positively to defensive efforts.
Tauchman has maintained a robust on-base percentage (OBP) of .360 over the past three seasons, placing him in the upper echelon of MLB players in 2023 and 2024. His ability to avoid chasing pitches, with a chase percentage of 23.8%, positions him as a valuable asset. Notably, his chase rate would have ranked third-best among the Mets’ roster in 2025, only behind key players Juan Soto and Brandon Nimmo.
With a career hitting line of .246/.347/.380, Tauchman has shown versatility throughout his time in the league, having played for teams including the Yankees, Cubs, Rockies, Giants, and most recently, the White Sox since his debut in 2017. As the Mets prepare for the upcoming season, Tauchman’s blend of experience and recent performance could play a crucial role in enhancing their outfield dynamics.