Why Mike Tauchman Continues To Be Part Of Cubs’ Strategy
If you bet on Mike Tauchman to hit a home run in the Chicago Cubs game against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night, you probably won on fantastic odds. If you bet on him to launch two home runs, both opposite-field shots at that, you should consider yourself a sharp.
That’s exactly what Tauchman did, though. His first home run of the night came in the first inning. The ball landed in the basket, earning the lucky fans in section 306 of Wrigley Field a free pizza coupon. His second bomb of the night came in the eighth inning, providing more than enough insurance for the Cubs to take the win.
Before we go crazy, let’s say this very important sentence: when this team is at full health, Tauchman’s role is reserved and off the bench. That is understood and extremely clear. Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, and Seiya Suzuki are the everyday starters in the outfield for the Chicago Cubs. Not a lot can change that.
Many even questioned why Craig Counsell basically gave Tauchman the first spot on the Cubs roster early in the spring. With Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alexander Canario, and Owen Caissie seemingly ready for the leap, why give that spot to someone with much less upside?
Tauchman is currently part of the cast filling in for injured Seiya Suzuki as he works his way back from an oblique injury. Just as he stepped up last year in a time of need, the Palatine Pounder is answering the call again this year. His role is more reserved, and his starts are temporary. But his results are quietly preparing us for the Summer of Tauchman 2.0.
Mike Tauchman Continues To Be A Reliable Crutch For Cubs
Mike Tauchman has started in 15 of the Cubs’ 23 games so far in 2024. Craig Counsell is already chalking up his decision to keep Tauchman with the big-league club as a win after the start he has had. Tauchman is providing the Cubs with a .283 batting average with 15 hits. He has an on-base percentage of .397 and an OPS of .888.
Coming off the bench or filling in for an injury, Tauchman’s line is all you could ask for from a player in a reserved backup role. He and Nick Madrigal are two guys Counsell will turn to in a pinch to get on base, while Patrick Wisdom will remain the power option off the bench. Tauchman, though, is making a solid case for remaining option number one for the foreseeable future.
In the last two months of 2023, Tauchman was a sub-.200 hitters are just standing in the way of the development of young talent. Now, he could make the case for being the most reliable player that isn’t an everyday starter. The Cubs will need this trend to keep going as they continue to earn the reputation of a winning team in 2024.