Mike Tauchman proving he's more than Mets insurance policy in fight for roster spot

Veteran outfielder has been solid at the plate and in the field this spring as he battles for a spot on the Mets' Opening Day roster.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 4:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the Mets' spring training camp looks now, it's difficult to see a path for both Carson Benge and Mike Tauchman to make the Opening Day roster. However, Tauchman, who didn't sign with the Mets until late in the offseason, is proving to be more than just an insurance policy for the team. The lefty-swinging outfielder has been solid both at the plate and in the field, leading off Thursday's game with a long double and starting in left field.

Why it matters

Tauchman's versatility and production this spring could make him a valuable addition to the Mets' roster, even with the competition from Benge and others for outfield spots. The Mets are still evaluating their options with a long way to go before Opening Day, and Tauchman is making a strong case to be part of their plans.

The details

Tauchman led off Thursday's 7-4 loss to the Nationals with a long double and started the game in left field, again showing the defensive versatility that the Mets believe could make the lefty-swinger valuable. As the camp looks now, it's difficult to see a path for both Benge — also left-handed at the plate — and Tauchman to make the Opening Day roster. However, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted that 'a lot can happen between now and Opening Day' and that Tauchman 'can play left field and all three [outfield positions] and give you a quality at-bat. He's versatile on defense and he's got pop.'

  • On March 5, 2026, Tauchman led off the Mets' game against the Nationals with a long double and started in left field.
  • The Mets are set to face the Pirates on March 26, 2026 to start the regular season.

The players

Mike Tauchman

A veteran outfielder who has been solid both at the plate and in the field for the Mets this spring as he battles for a roster spot.

Carson Benge

A left-handed hitting outfielder who is also vying for a starting right field job with the Mets this spring.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager, who noted that 'a lot can happen between now and Opening Day' and praised Tauchman's versatility and production.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A lot can happen between now and Opening Day. [Tauchman] is playing well, too. He can play left field and all three [outfield positions] and give you a quality at-bat. He's versatile on defense and he's got pop.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets will continue to evaluate their roster options in the final weeks of spring training before Opening Day on March 26.

The takeaway

Mike Tauchman's strong performance this spring has made him more than just an insurance policy for the Mets, as the veteran outfielder is proving he can be a valuable contributor to the team with his versatility and production at the plate and in the field.