The New York Mets have added several new players during the offseason, and more roster adjustments are expected before Opening Day.
Following a deeply disappointing failure to make the playoffs last season, the team moved on from longtime standouts Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil. This initially sparked concern among fans in Queens, but management responded by bringing in new talent such as Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta, and Luis Robert Jr.
Additionally, the Mets signed former New York Yankees power hitter Mike Tauchman to a minor league contract, taking a low-risk chance on him.
New York Mets’ Veteran Mike Tauchman To Cut Ties With Team Before Opening Day Thanks To Contract Clause
But a surprising clause in his contract gives Tauchman the option to cut ties with his new team just before the season begins.
“Tauchman holds an opt-out in his minor-league contract for March 25,” Will Sammon reported for The Athletic. “The veteran impresses (manager Carlos) Mendoza with his power, plate discipline and ability to play all three outfield positions. Tauchman reads balls well on defense, always knows when to make certain throws and makes good decisions when running the bases, Mendoza said.”
Despite those positives and Tauchman’s ability to exit his deal if he isn’t excited about his opportunity before Opening Day, it’s far from guaranteed that the Mets will reserve a big-league roster spot for the veteran.
Mendoza will have to find at-bats for an outfield mix that could include Juan Soto, Robert, Tyrone Taylor, Bretty Baty, Vidal Brujan and possibly top prospect Carson Benge in addition to Tauchman. As a result, the team might not decide on its Opening Day roster until just before the season begins.
New York Mets’ Mike Tauchman Could Leave Team After Demotion
And if Mendoza can’t promise Tauchman a big-league spot, he seems like to exercise his opt out and try again with another team.
“If the Mets don’t find a spot for Tauchman, he could find one somewhere else,” Darragh McDonald wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “He’s not a star but has been pretty solid for the past three years. Since the start of 2023, he has a combined .255/.359/.381 line, which translates to a 111 wRC+. He doesn’t have huge power but he has drawn walks at a strong 13% clip, while keeping his strikeouts down to a 21.3% clip. His defensive grades have been strong as well.”
His best season, though, came with the Yankees in 2019 when he logged 13 homers in just 87 games and posted a .504 slugging percentage. If a team believes he can rediscover that kind of power, it would be willing to carry him on its big-league roster.
