The Mets continue to fine-tune their roster ahead of the 2026 season, adding another veteran presence to the mix as they signed outfielder Mike Tauchman to a minor league deal. While it’s not a flashy move on the surface, it’s one that could have real implications when it comes to filling out the final spot on the bench - and Tauchman’s track record suggests he’s got a legitimate shot to break camp with the big-league club.
Now 35, Tauchman’s taken the scenic route through professional baseball. Drafted by the Rockies in the 10th round back in 2013, he carved out a strong minor league career before finally debuting in the majors in 2017. His early years saw him bounce between Triple-A and the big leagues, never quite locking down a regular role in Colorado.
But things changed in 2019 when the Yankees acquired him in a low-key trade that turned out to be a sneaky win for New York. Tauchman made an immediate impact, slashing .277/.361/.504 with a 128 wRC+ in just 89 games. That performance was good for 3.0 fWAR - a breakout season by any measure, especially for a player who had been on the fringes just a year earlier.
Unfortunately, momentum can be a fragile thing in baseball. A shoulder injury in 2020 slowed him down, and he struggled to find his form during the shortened season. His numbers dipped to a .242/.342/.305 line, and things didn’t get any better in 2021 as he split time between the Yankees and Giants, hitting just .181 with limited power.
With limited MLB opportunities, Tauchman took his game overseas in 2022, signing with the Hanwha Eagles in Korea. That move paid off.
He found his swing again, posting a .289/.366/.430 line that turned heads back in the States. It earned him another shot in the majors - this time with the Cubs, in his home state of Illinois.
Over the past three seasons, Tauchman has quietly reestablished himself as a reliable big-league contributor. He spent 2023 and 2024 with the Cubs, then moved across town to the White Sox in 2025.
In each of those seasons, he posted a wRC+ of 108, 110, and 115, respectively - steady, above-average production in part-time roles. He’s not going to win a Gold Glove, but he’s dependable in the corners and grades out as league-average defensively, per Outs Above Average.
For the Mets, this signing is all about depth and flexibility. Tauchman doesn’t need to be a star - he just needs to be solid, and that’s exactly what he’s been. With MJ Melendez still holding a minor league option, the Mets can afford to keep both players in the organization through camp and let performance dictate who earns the roster spot.
Tauchman’s value lies in his versatility. He can step in as a right fielder if Carson Benge struggles or needs a breather.
He offers another left-handed bat who can slot in at DH if Brett Baty is playing the field. And while he’s no longer a true center fielder, he can provide emergency coverage there if needed - especially important considering Luis Robert Jr.’s injury history.
Bottom line: this is a smart, low-risk move by the Mets. Tauchman brings experience, consistency, and a professional approach to the plate. If he performs this spring, don’t be surprised to see him on the Opening Day roster, quietly reinforcing a Mets bench that could use a little more reliability.