The Detroit Tigers are expected to be active at the trade deadline, and could be interested in Michael Tauchman of the Chicago White Sox.
Tauchman has played for the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and, most recently, the White Sox during this season.
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He’s best known for his time with the Yankees because of the organization’s status, and he was good for parts.
In 2019, Tauchman played well, posting a 128 OPS+ and .865 OPS. While he hasn’t done anything similar to that since, it’s fair to wonder if he could figure things out with a contending Tigers team.
When recently searching for potential options for them to pursue, SB Nation linked them to the left-handed-hitting outfielder.
“Michael Tauchman (OF, CHW) is another righty outfielder. His offensive value is driven by a great eye at the plate and an aversion to swinging. He’s played center in the past but isn’t great out there, so his role is pretty similar to Jahmai Jones. This would feel like a fairly lateral move, but bench depth is always appreciated,” they wrote.
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Tauchman isn’t right-handed, as they initially said, so signing a left-hander might not be the wisest decision, given that the Tigers could use a right-handed bat.
However, if they’re going for players who have some experience in the league, Tauchman would fit that mold.
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He’s been in this league for eight years now and has played well in a somewhat small role for the White Sox this year. He’s only appeared in 38 games, but he has a 130 OPS+ with four home runs, eight doubles, a triple, and 16 RBIs.
If the Tigers don’t have to move much, there are far worse options to consider.