Chicago Cubs Mike Tauchman adds to his impressive 2023 resume

The Chicago Cubs came pouring out of the dugout, jumping up and down like a bunch of delirious 10-year-olds at Busch Stadium Friday night. After coming into the game late, Mike Tauchman sealed a 3-2 Cubs victory with a leaping catch at the wall to rob Alec Burleson of a walk-off home run.

With two outs and the tying run at third, Burleson hit a flyball to straightaway center which looked like a can of corn at first but just kept sailing. Tauchman kept drifting back, timed the leap perfectly, and hung onto the ball as he came down with it in his glove. The Cardinals challenged the call, but it was an easy confirmation of the out. Saying Tauchman was fired up after the catch would be an understatement.

It feels like in years past, the Cardinals are celebrating a walk-off win in that same situation. Though this was reminiscent of when Leonys Martín made a game-sealing catch in a very similar spot at Busch Stadium back in 2017. However, the Cubs had clinched the NL Central the night before, so it was not as crucial of a game. This play also comes a few days after Seiya Suzuki robbed Yoan Moncada of a grand slam on the South Side a few days ago. It's pretty rare for that to happen twice in just a few days.

Tauchman has come up very big in a number of situations this year. Keep in mind Tauchman did not see MLB action in 2022 and was a .181/.284/.283 and 62 wRC+ hitter in 2021 with the Yankees and Giants. This year he is hitting a solid .261, he has recorded some clutch hits, including the game-tying hit in Milwaukee a few weeks ago. This is the type of production you want from your depth guys. Tauchman has been an exceptional fourth outfielder, and his ability to play a solid centerfield has allowed Cody Bellinger to play some time at first.

The Cubs head into Saturday with a seven-game win streak as the trade deadline approaches. There's a lot of debate on what the Cubs should be doing as Tuesday draws nearer. Regardless of what happens in the end, this catch by Tauchman will be talked about for a while.

More Chicago Cubs News