It ended up being a relatively uneventful trade deadline for the White Sox this year. They made just two trades, and Luis Robert Jr. was not the only notable player who stayed put today despite swirling rumors. Mike Tauchman also remains on the team, even after reportedly receiving significant outside interest.
Logical Trade Chip
Tauchman, 34, has had a productive season after signing a one-year, $1.95 million contract with the team this past offseason. Over 56 games, he has compiled a .291 batting average, .844 OPS, 134 OPS+, 1.5 bWAR, and 1.3 fWAR. He has earned every penny of his contract and then some.
On the surface, he felt like a prime trade candidate. Not only has he performed this season, but he will also be 35 in December. For a rebuilding club like the White Sox, logic would dictate that turning him into prospects is the right decision. There was no shortage of teams who could have used another productive outfielder, particularly one who hits from the left side. Yet he stayed put, as there is more to meet the eye than his stats.
Local Roots
Tauchman’s roots play a significant factor. The Palatine native has spoken publicly about his desire to stay close to his family, whom he has described as his village. Tauchman and his wife have become advocates in the community as well, recently donating care packages to hospitals as his daughter’s health issues have become close to his heart. There is no indication that Tauchman requested not to be traded, but it is fair to assume the team did not want to uproot him and his family.
Veteran Presence
There is also a valid argument for keeping Tauchman from a baseball perspective. He has also received rave reviews for his clubhouse presence. He helps me out a lot in the outfield, [with me] being fairly new out there in the big leagues,’’ Brooks Baldwin said. ‘‘Just certain situations — what to do and how to approach a play, what to look out for from righties. Just hearing what he’s seen in the past and what’s helped him, that’s really valuable.’’ Will Venable echoed similar sentiments. “He’s got experience, he says the right things, does the right things, works the right way. But certainly as he’s performed well this year, it gives him some more to stand on. Guys listen when he talks.’’ Venable said.
White Sox Outfield Moving Forward
The White Sox have lacked quality outfield depth for some time and have minimal reinforcements in the upper levels of the minors. Given that Tauchman has another year of arbitration remaining, the team can slot him into a starting spot again next year, likely in right field. With prospects like Braden Montgomery waiting in the wings, Tauchman provides a quality bridge option in 2026 and potentially beyond in the White Sox outfield.
Win/Win Situation
Not trading Mike Tauchman likely cost the White Sox an opportunity to add another prospect to the farm system. If the rumors are true, he undoubtedly had trade value. But ultimately, keeping him is a win for both parties. He gets to stay close to his family, while the team retains a quality veteran presence at a position of need.
