Mike Tauchman Has Proven The White Sox Right
When the White Sox non-tendered Mike Tauchman last November, some fans, myself included, were surprised and even disappointed by the decision. After all, he performed admirably on the South Side and was a quality veteran presence in the clubhouse as well. Still, the team ultimately chose not to bring him back, letting him hit the open market.
A few months later, it appears the White Sox made the right decision to let him go. The veteran outfielder recently tore his meniscus and surgery will be required. It’s the latest in a series of leg issues that have plagued him of late.
Durability Concerns
Tauchman slashed .263/.356/.400 across 395 plate appearances last season, 12% better than league average per OPS+. He put together quality at-bats consistently, as evidenced by a walk rate in the 84th percentile and a chase % in the 78th percentile according to Baseball Savant. Performance wasn’t an issue for him. It was the physical issues that ultimately derailed him more than anything else.
Despite performing well, Tauchman appeared in only 93 games for the White Sox in 2025. He dealt with hamstring, groin, shoulder, and knee problems throughout the season, ultimately undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus following the season. As the injuries piled up, his performance suffered. He slashed just .244/.338/.369 in 48 games in the second half compared to .283/.375/.434 in 45 first half games. The White Sox could have brought him back for roughly $3.4 million via arbitration but elected not to. His growing laundry list of injuries likely played a factor in that decision.
Latest Injury
Tauchman latched onto the Mets this offseason on a minor league deal in hopes of earning a spot on the team as a non-roster invite. He performed well enough to likely make the team until his leg issues once again became an issue. He was seen hobbling in a recent game, and an MRI later revealed a meniscus tear that will need surgery. The recovery timeline is unknown, but it’s the latest in a series of leg issues.
While $3.4 million isn’t all that significant for a normal MLB team, every dollar counts when it comes to a Jerry Reinsdorf owned franchise. With Tauchman’s injury issues continuing into this year, it feels like the White Sox ultimately made the right decision to let him go elsewhere.
Unexpected Roster Shortage For White Sox
With Tauchman no longer in the equation, a left-handed hitting outfield spot opened up on the White Sox roster. When spring began, it seemed like there would be no shortage of potential replacements. That has quickly changed. Brooks Baldwin has dealt with elbow issues and will likely open the season on the injured list. Jarred Kelenic, a non-roster invitee and former top prospect, appeared to have a strong path to make the team but ultimately did not after a mediocre spring training.
That leaves Andrew Benintendi and Tristan Peters as the only healthy left-handed hitting outfielders on the roster. With Benintendi likely to see increased time at designated hitter, the need for another left-handed outfield bat has quickly become one of the team’s most pressing needs. As other ballclubs trim their rosters ahead of Opening Day later this week, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Chris Getz acquire another lefty outfield bat either through trade or on waivers before the opener in Milwaukee on Thursday afternoon.