New York Yankees Sign Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki To Deal

Jul 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) throws the ball around prior to an MLB game against the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, released by the Toronto Blue Jays on December 11th, has agreed to a deal with the New York Yankees, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Background info on Troy Tulowitzki:

Tulowitzki, 34, was released after missing all of 2018 with surgery to remove bone spurs in his right ankle. He played only 66 games the year before while dealing with ankle and hamstring injuries. He’s expected to fill in for shortstop Didi Gregorius until he returns from Tommy John surgery.

While a surprise move, this does not take the Yankees out of the Manny Machado sweepstakes. Financially, Tulowitzki will make league-minimum with the Yankees while Toronto pays the $20 million left on his previous contract. A former star for the Colorado Rockies, he was a five-time all-star and won two gold gloves. He was then traded to Toronto in 2015, joining a lineup that included Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, and Josh Donaldson.

Additional thoughts:

If the Yankees sign Machado as well and Gregorius does not play in 2019, that could raise questions for young third baseman Miguel Andujar. If Didi does return, maybe they will convert Tulowitzki into a utility player.