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The New York Mets have a significant decision to make when it comes to who their starting right fielder will be.
And they are running out of time. With less than two weeks remaining in spring training, Opening Day is drawing closer.
In the mix for playing time in right field are Brett Baty, Tyrone Taylor, top prospect Carson Benge and Mike Tauchman.
Tauchman signed a minor league contract with New York and is battling for a roster spot. The 35-year-old is an eight-year veteran who has spent time with five different clubs, most notably the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs.
At the moment, Tauchman seems to have the upper hand for the starting job in right field. However, there's an important detail in his contract that would likely see him leave the organization.
Tauchman's contract includes an opt-out
According to The Athletic's Will Sammon, Tauchman's minor league contract with the Mets includes an opt-out.
"Tauchman holds an opt-out in his minor-league contract for March 25, league sources said. The veteran impresses Mendoza with his power, plate discipline, and ability to play all three outfield positions," Sammon wrote Tuesday.
"Tauchman reads balls well on defense, always knows when to make certain throws, and makes good decisions when running the bases, Mendoza said. In 26 plate appearances this spring, Tauchman has reached base 13 times."
If the Mets opt to promote Benge, a 23-year-old with just 23 games of experience at Triple-A, Tauchman may trigger the opt-out to find a better opportunity for playing time.
The left-handed hitter owns a career .727 OPS and hit .263/.356/.400 with nine home runs and 17 doubles in 93 games with the Cubs in 2025.
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