Former NL Central rival offers Reds replacement for Jonathan India with added benefit

While the Jonathan India deal bolstered the Cincinnati Reds’ rotation, it left the lineup with a sizable hole at the leadoff spot. Sure, internal options, such as Elly De La Cruz, exist, but Cincinnati may choose to continue exploring the trade and free-agent markets. If the Reds pursue external options, they should approach former Chicago Cubs outfielder Mike Tauchman.

The division-rival Cubs non-tendered Tauchman at the end of November, making the 33-year-old a free agent. Tauchman is coming off a one-year, $1.95 million deal with Chicago, so the Reds may be able to pick him up for a bargain. Estimates projected his arbitration deal would be just under $3 million, a figure well within the Reds’ buying power.

The Reds could turn a foe to a friend — and solve several lineup issues — by signing former Cubs outfielder Mike Tauchman

Tauchman would be a perfect fit for the Reds’ lineup. He is consistent and patient at the plate. Among MLB players with at least 300 plate appearances, Tauchman ranked seventh in walk rate and had a lower strikeout rate than four of the six players ranked above him. In other words, Tauchman can be quite the table setter and innings extender, key features of leadoff hitters.

In fact, Tauchman’s numbers are fairly similar to India’s. They each hit .248 with a .357 on-base percentage in 2024. India has more power, slugging .392 to Tauchman’s .366. The Reds, though, don’t necessarily need their leadoff to bring the thunder. If just a couple of Cincinnati’s heavy hitters break out this season, the pressure would stay off Tauchman.

The ex-Cub also provides much-needed help in the outfield. The Reds need a third and fourth option to line up beside Spencer Steer and TJ Friedl. The premiere patrollers of the outfield grass are well beyond the Reds’ budget, so a low-cost deal may be the way to go.

Tauchman doesn’t necessarily have strong fielding chops as he reaches the end of his career, but he wouldn’t be a detriment. As recently as 2023, he had a plus-2 run defensive run value. Although Tauchman can play all three outfield spots, his best position is left, where he has always had a positive success rate added. This creates a bit of a conflict with Steer, who has primarily manned left field, but considering Steer’s career -18 run value as a fielder, the Reds may make some depth chart adjustments.

Tauchman is a Chicagoland native who was burned by his hometown Cubs this offseason. What better revenge than joining a division rival and leading the Reds to victory?

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