Mike Tauchman #39 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking oyt during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on September 02, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
When the New York Yankees signed Jay Bruce to a minor-league contract, we thought it might signal the end of Brett Gardner’s tenure in pinstripes.
Right idea, wrong outfielder.
Mike Tauchman, coming off a powerless 2020 and out of minor-league options, is beloved by fans and in the clubhouse, and can be a 4-WAR player (seriously) when fully healthy and peaking.