Mike Tauchman DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago White Sox outfielder Mike Tauchman (hamstring) began his rehab assignment in Triple-A Charlotte, reports Scott Merkin of MLB.com. He suffered a strained hamstring during spring training but is eligible to be activated off of the injured list on Friday. He slashed .248/.357/.366 with seven home runs and six stolen bases in 109 games for the Cubs in 2024. While he's not the most exciting player for fantasy, he should see a lot of playing time for the White Sox and should deliver a high OBP. He posted a 13.4% walk rate (98th percentile) last season, so he could be useful in deep AL-only formats.

The Chicago White Sox agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal with free-agent outfielder Mike Tauchman on Monday evening, according to a source. Tauchman will head across town in Chicago after spending the last two seasons with the Cubs, where he hit .250/.360/.372 with a .732 OPS, 15 home runs, 77 RBI, 13 stolen bases and 114 runs scored in 217 games. He hit .248/.357/.366 with seven long balls, 29 RBI, six steals and 50 runs in 109 games in 2024, mostly in right field for the Cubbies. The 34-year-old has experience at all three outfield spots, though, and should at least be in position to earn part-time playing time. While Tauchman hits from the left side, he's had similar success against righties and lefties in his career. Most of the veteran's value comes as a fourth outfielder/DH type, but more playing time should be available with the Pale Hose.

According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Cubs have non-tendered outfielder Mike Tauchman, which will send him to free agency. Tauchman spent the past two seasons operating on the Northside and held a .250/.360/.372 line across his time there. This past summer, the 33-year-old carried a .248 AVG with seven long balls and six stolen bases. Under the hood, he held a stellar 13.4% walk rate and slightly above average .330 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should expect the veteran to find a new home, serving as a fourth outfielder, and have a chance to see starting opportunities in center field. With his departure, fantasy managers should closely monitor the team's No. 2 prospect, Owen Caissie, during Spring Training, as he could have a clear path to a full-time role in 2025.