The Mets may not have been shopping hard for outfield help, but they quietly added some intriguing depth on Monday - and it might just pay off. Veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman has signed a minor-league deal with New York, and while it’s not the kind of transaction that makes headlines in February, this one has the potential to age well.
Tauchman’s been around the block - five teams deep into his MLB career, with stints in Colorado, New York (yes, he’s been a Yankee), San Francisco, Chicago (Cubs), and most recently, the White Sox. But it’s what he’s done lately that really stands out.
Over the past three seasons, Tauchman has quietly become a model of consistency at the plate. He’s posted an on-base percentage of .356 or better in each of those years - a mark that speaks to a disciplined approach and a knack for getting on base, even as he’s entered the back half of his 30s.
Take his 2025 season with the White Sox: 93 games, 1.9 WAR. That’s efficient production in a part-time role.
He slashed .263/.356/.400, chipped in 17 doubles, a triple, and nine homers, and drove in 40 runs while scoring 44. Nothing flashy, but undeniably solid - the kind of steady output that can quietly tilt the balance of a roster.
And this isn’t a one-off. In 2023 with the Cubs, Tauchman put up a 2.7 WAR season, showing he can still contribute meaningfully when given the opportunity. He’s not just surviving - he’s thriving in the margins.
At 35, Tauchman’s not a long-term piece. But right now, he looks like a guy who still has something to offer.
If he shows well in spring training, there’s a legitimate shot he plays his way onto the Mets’ Opening Day bench. And if he doesn’t?
Stashing him in Triple-A Syracuse would give the Mets enviable depth - a seasoned, high-OBP outfielder who can step in if injuries hit or if someone underperforms.
There aren’t many under-the-radar free agent wins left this late in the offseason. But the Mets may have just found one.