Mike Tauchman’s bid to earn a spot on the New York Mets’ Opening Day roster has come to an unexpected halt.
On Sunday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that Tauchman has a meniscus tear in his left knee and will need surgery, with no timeline yet for his return.
“Unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a while,” Mendoza said. “He started feeling discomfort yesterday, and it got to the point where he couldn’t continue. …Our trainers suspected right away, and we sent him for an MRI.”
The 35-year-old outfielder enjoyed a solid 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox, hitting .263/.356/.400 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs across 93 games.
Tauchman, an eight-year veteran, has a history of lower-body injuries, including a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery last September.
Signed by the Mets on Feb. 19 to a minor league deal with a spring training invite, Tauchman had been competing with prospect Vidal Bruján and Carson Benge, the organization’s No. 2 prospect, for the final two roster spots.
Heading into Saturday’s Grapefruit League game, Tauchman had posted a .250/.382/.464 line with one home run, three doubles, and six RBIs in 12 spring appearances.
He appeared hampered running out a third-inning groundout and later left the game limping back to his position.
With Tauchman out, Benge appears to have a clear path to the roster, though Mendoza said no decision has been finalized. The 23-year-old has batted .368/.442/.447 in Grapefruit League action and could start Opening Day in right field.
Bruján, 28, is now in line for the final bench spot unless the Mets add reinforcements via the waiver wire. While M.J. Melendez provides additional depth in right field, Mendoza said he will begin the season at Triple-A Syracuse.
“We feel good about our options here,” Mendoza added. “There are a lot of guys playing well, and we know injuries happen. It’s tough for him and the team, but we’re confident in the group we have.”
