Mets Outfielder Tauchman Injured, Top Prospect Benge Called Up

Knee injury sidelines veteran, opens roster spot for Mets' top minor league outfielder

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:25pm

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New York Mets outfielder Mike Tauchman, who dealt with knee problems last season with the Chicago White Sox, has suffered another knee injury that will force him to miss time. This opens up a roster spot for the Mets to call up their top minor league prospect, outfielder Carson Benge.

Why it matters

Tauchman was expected to be a key part of the Mets' outfield rotation this season, so his injury creates a hole that the team will need to fill. Benge is considered one of the top young talents in the Mets' farm system, so his MLB debut will be closely watched as the team looks to bolster its offense and outfield depth.

The details

Tauchman, 31, suffered the knee injury during a spring training game and is expected to miss at least 4-6 weeks. The Mets will now turn to the 23-year-old Benge, who hit .305 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs at Triple-A Syracuse last season, to fill the void in the outfield.

  • Tauchman suffered the knee injury during a spring training game on March 20, 2026.
  • Benge is expected to be called up from Triple-A Syracuse to join the Mets' major league roster.

The players

Mike Tauchman

A 31-year-old outfielder for the New York Mets who has dealt with knee issues in the past.

Carson Benge

The Mets' top minor league prospect, a 23-year-old outfielder who played at Triple-A Syracuse last season.

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What’s next

The Mets will monitor Tauchman's recovery and determine a timeline for his return to the active roster. In the meantime, Benge will look to make the most of his opportunity to prove he belongs in the major leagues.

The takeaway

Injuries are always a concern in baseball, and the Mets' depth will be tested with Tauchman's latest setback. However, the team's top prospect Benge now has a chance to showcase his talents at the MLB level and potentially earn a permanent spot in the Mets' outfield.