The New York Mets have added veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman to their roster, signing him to a minor league deal as they finalize their lineup for the upcoming season. According to reports, Tauchman, who is 35 years old, will have an opportunity to compete for a spot on the team during spring training.
Originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2013, Tauchman has had an extensive journey through Major League Baseball. He made his debut with the Rockies in 2017 and spent the following season alternating between the big leagues and Triple-A, failing to secure a permanent position. However, his career saw a resurgence in 2019 after he was traded to the New York Yankees, where he delivered a standout performance, posting a .277 batting average with 15 home runs and earning a solid 3.0 fWAR in just 89 games.
The next couple of years were less fruitful for Tauchman, marred by a shoulder injury in 2020 that impacted his performance, leading to disappointing statistical outputs in both 2020 and 2021. He then took his talents to the Hanwha Eagles in South Korea for the 2022 season, where he excelled, hitting .289/.366/.430, prompting another chance in the MLB with the Chicago Cubs. Over the last three years, Tauchman played for the Cubs and the White Sox, maintaining consistency in his offensive contributions with wRC+ scores of 108, 110, and 115 across different terms.
Tauchman’s addition brings valuable depth to the Mets’ bench, and he could be a crucial asset should injuries arise among their roster. As they navigate their final bench roles, the Mets could benefit from Tauchman’s versatility in the outfield. With players like Carson Benge and MJ Melendez also in the mix, Tauchman’s experience and proven track record might provide the Mets with the reliability they need, especially in right field, where he can step in defensively if required.
This signing not only highlights Tauchman’s journey back to the majors but also emphasizes the Mets’ commitment to building a competitive team equipped with experienced players who can contribute effectively, regardless of their role.