An injury of any sort hurts—both physically and in the immediate ripple effects it creates, something the Mets are now dealing with following Mike Tauchman’s setback.
Tauchman was seen walking off the field in between innings during Saturday’s 7-5 loss to the Astros. He later pulled himself out of the game with the Mets, calling it Left Knee Soreness. Tauchman underwent an MRI exam on Saturday afternoon, and on Sunday, it was revealed that Tauchman tore his meniscus and would require surgery on his left knee.
The veteran outfielder was signed to a minor league deal on Feb. 16 to augment the Mets’ outfield competition. Tauchman, 35, would likely have made the Opening Day roster, as Mets officials were impressed with his ability to draw walks, consistently put up quality at-bats, and showcase power.
Now, with four days to go until Opening Day, the Mets have to replace Tauchman. Here are three potential options for the Mets to fill the void, either internally or externally.
Internal or External: How Mets Can Replace Injured Mike Tauchman
1. Vidal Bruján
While the Mets don’t necessarily need another infielder, they also don’t need a fifth outfielder to round out their bench. Bruján, 28, is an internal candidate most likely to make the roster after surviving a slew of roster cuts. A former top prospect with the Rays, Bruján is largely known for his speed and base-running abilities.
This spring, the veteran utility man hit .273/.400/.273, with four stolen bases and a .673 OPS in 33 at-bats. Although Bruján posted a minus-1 Outs Above Average last year, throughout his career, he has shown the ability to play virtually every position except catcher.
With the Mets, Bruján would serve in a pinch-running, utility role off the bench.
2. MJ Melendez
Originally signed to a major league deal, Melendez has actually performed quite well this spring in limited action. The 27-year-old went 4-for-11 with two home runs, five RBIs, and a 1.346 OPS in 11 at-bats while playing right field. Had the Mets not signed Tauchman, Melendez would have potentially been in the running for the final spot. He could now be considered in light of the news about Tauchman.
Melendez signed a split deal (different salaries in majors and minors) on Feb. 8 and would likely get sporadic playing time. A former top catching prospect, Melendez could also be used as an emergency catcher if both Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens are not available.
3. Austin Slater
Within the next couple of days leading up to Opening Day, teams across MLB will be sorting through the waiver wire in search of filling out some holes. If the Mets decide to fill this void externally, Slater is a fit. The recently released Slater will likely garner interest from multiple teams, including the Mets. The club expressed interest in Slater during the offseason.
Slater, who signed a minor league deal with the Tigers before spring training, has a .267/.389/.467 slash line, with one home run, four RBIs, and a .856 OPS in 30 at-bats this spring. With the Yankees and White Sox in 2025, Slater hit .216 with five home runs and a .642 OPS in 65 games.
For his career, Slater has slashed .248/.336/.384, with 45 home runs, 184 RBIs, and a .720 OPS in 699 games throughout his nine-year MLB career.
According to Statcast, Slater ranks in the 80th percentile in arm strength among all players.
Slater, 33, can play all three outfield positions, including right field — where he has appeared 187 times, and would see the most time with the Mets.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
