The New York Mets face a critical decision over who will start in right field as Opening Day rapidly approaches, with less than two weeks of spring training left.
The candidates include Brett Baty, Tyrone Taylor, top prospect Carson Benge, and veteran Mike Tauchman.
Tauchman, a 35-year-old eight-year MLB veteran with time on five different teams including the Yankees and Cubs, currently appears to have an edge for the starting role.
However, his minor-league contract includes an opt-out, adding an element of uncertainty to the decision.
According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Tauchman’s deal allows him to opt out on March 25, and he has impressed manager Carlos Mendoza with his power, plate discipline, defensive awareness, and baserunning intelligence.
This spring, he has reached base 13 times in 26 plate appearances, further proving his readiness.
If the Mets decide to go with 23-year-old Benge, who has only 23 Triple-A games under his belt, Tauchman could exercise his opt-out to pursue a better opportunity elsewhere.
The left-handed hitter posted a .727 career OPS, hitting .263/.356/.400 with nine home runs and 17 doubles in 93 games with the Cubs in 2025.
The looming choice between proven veteran experience and a promising young talent could shape the Mets’ outfield dynamics for the season, making this one of the organization’s most pivotal roster decisions of spring training.
