Mets OF Mike Tauchman's injury opens spot for top prospect Carson Benge

Field Level Media|published: Sun 22nd March, 12:38 2026

MLB: Spring Training-Toronto Blue Jays at New York Mets

Mar 15, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets right fielder Mike Tauchman (50) goes from first to third base on a hit by shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) against the Toronto Blue Jays at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

New York Mets outfielder Mike Tauchman, who was plagued by knee issues last season with the Chicago White Sox, suffered another knee injury that will put him on the shelf.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Sunday that Tauchman, 35, tore the meniscus in his left knee Saturday in a spring training game against the Houston Astros and will need surgery.

Tauchman was enjoying a decent spring with the Mets -- fashioning a .241/.371/.448 slash line in 35 plate appearances -- and the lefty hitter figured to play an important role against right-handed starters.

In his stead, highly touted rookie Carson Benge figures to be an everyday presence in the lineup. Benge, 23, ranks as a Top 20 prospect -- per Baseball America, MLB.com and Baseball Prospectus -- and is batting .368 with 14 hits and five RBIs in 43 plate appearances this spring.

Tauchman underwent surgery for a meniscus tear in September while with the White Sox, but that was on his right knee. He has amassed a .246 batting average and .727 OPS over his eight-year MLB career with the Colorado Rockies (2017-18), New York Yankees (2019-21), San Francisco Giants (2021), Chicago Cubs (2023-24) and the White Sox (2025).

--Field Level Media

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