PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets are adding a veteran outfielder to compete for a job in camp.
Mike Tauchman, who spent last season with the White Sox, reached agreement Monday on a minor league deal with the Mets, according to an industry source.
Tauchman, 34, appeared in 93 games last season and produced a .263/.356/.400 slash line with nine homers and 40 RBIs. Tauchman played for the Yankees from 2019-21 in a backup role.
With the Mets, he will join Carson Benge, Tyrone Taylor, Brett Baty and MJ Melendez as options to play right field. Benge, the organization’s top position prospect, will receive a long look this spring.
If the lefty-hitting Benge isn’t deemed ready, it could provide an opening for Tauchman.
Juan Soto is set in left field, with Luis Robert Jr. in center.
Carlos Mendoza’s message to the Mets before the initial full-squad workout of spring training Monday was “from the heart” instead of scripted.
“It was just embracing expectations, enjoying the meaning of putting a uniform on, what it means, what we represent and what we’re here for,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza was asked to specify the expectations of which he spoke.
“There’s always high expectations here — our goal is to be the last team standing, and we haven’t done that in the past couple of years,” said Mendoza, who is entering his third season as manager. “It’s just understanding the responsibility and embrace it. We have a real good opportunity to do something special here.”
With so many new faces in the room, the manager said there wasn’t a need to discuss the disappointment of last season, when the team failed to reach the playoffs.
How can cohesion be created with the new pieces?
“I’m the leader, but I also feel like we have a pretty good leadership group there,” Mendoza said. “It’s a group effort, just building relationships, the connections, so we can turn up the trust. That’s how you start forming that foundation and I think that’s important.”
Christian Scott hit 95 mph in two innings of live batting practice that were highlighted by his successive strikeouts of Juan Soto and Bo Bichette.
“I feel like I can get anybody out on this level when my stuff is on and I am competing in the strike zone,” said Scott, who missed last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
The right-hander said he is ramping up normally to begin the season, having completed his rehab. As a depth rotation piece, he will likely begin the season at Triple-A Syracuse.
The Mets will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for their 55,000-square foot player development complex at Clover Park.
Among the complex’s planned amenities: a 7,000-square foot weight room with a 1,500-square foot cardio mezzanine. Hot and cold plunge pools, treadmill pools and a hydrotherapy area will also be implemented.