In one of the most shocking moves of the MLB offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays announced on Tuesday that they are releasing veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
Tulowitzki was at one point considered one of the best infielders in baseball, but heel injuries forced him to miss the entire 2018 season. He appeared in just 66 games in 2017 because of an ankle injury, batting .249 with a .678 OPS. Still, Toronto’s decision to release the 34-year-old rather than trying to trade him is surprising considering they owe him $38 million over the next two years.
Think about what #Bluejays did — to release Tulo with $38M left they have to think he has so little left and/or would be such a disruption not playing SS regularly that they did not even want 1 last try to build up to trade and save some $
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 11, 2018
Tulowitzki’s agent said the Blue Jays want to go younger next season and were willing to release the veteran now to give him a jump on finding a new team.
Tulo’s agent, Paul Cohen: “I’ve known Mark Shapiro for decades. He is one of the most decent, forthright, honest people I know. If they are really going to go with young guys next year, it’s best to give Troy the opportunity now to seek out the best situation…” 1/2
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018
“In that regard, we’re very grateful to both Mark and Ross Atkins. They could have made a decision in the spring, but it would be a much bigger challenge then (to get Tulo signed) vs. now when not a lot of off-season has taken place.” Cohen added that Tulo, 34, is in great shape.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018
Prior to being traded to the Blue Jays in 2015, Tulowitzki spent the first nine-plus seasons of his career with the Colorado Rockies and was named an All-Star five times. He’s a career .290 hitter.
With the Blue Jays now on the hook for nearly $40 million over the next two seasons, Tulowitzki could end up being a bargain for a team in need of infield help if he’s healthy.
