Led by star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, the Colorado Rockies got off to a nice start in 2014. On May 20th, they were 26-20 and just two games back of the San Francisco Giants in the NL West. However, they’ve hit the skids since then and with just one game left before the All-Star break they own a 40-54 record. Since that time, Tulowitzki has made it clear that he would be open to being traded to a contender.
While he’s not quite putting up the Ruthian numbers that he was at the beginning of the year, Tulowitzki is having a phenomenal season. He’s put together a .344/.435/.613 batting line which, after adjusting for hitter-friendly Coors Field comes out to a 177 wRC+. Furthermore, Tulowitzki is an excellent defensive shortstop. His 5.2 fWAR is second only to Mike Trout. In home games Tulo has an incredible .418/.500/.753 slash line. He hasn’t been a slouch on the road either, compiling a .265/.367/.463 line.
When he’s healthy, Tulowitzki has long been one of the best players in baseball. However, he’s only played more than 150 games in a season two times. Still, since his first full season in 2007, only 10 players have more fWAR. With the exception of Trout, there isn’t anybody better. In addition, Tulowitzki is signed to a very team-friendly deal. He’s under contract through the 2020 season at just under $16 million dollars per year. If the Rockies make him available, he’ll command a king’s ransom.
The New York Yankees could certainly use Tulowitzki, as the left side of their infield has been very mediocre. However, they don’t have the prospects to swing a deal. The Boston Red Sox have also struggled to get production from their shortstop position. They do have a wealth of prospect talent. It seems unlikely that they could swing a deal in the middle of the season, as they aren’t shaping up to be contenders this season. Perhaps they’ll make a push if Tulo is available this winter.
The Seattle Mariners top prospects, pitchers James Paxton and Taijuan Walker have dealt with injuries this season, and shortstop Brad Miller started the season in an extended funk. With the Los Angeles Dodgers being unable to sign Hanley Ramirez to an extension, they would love the chance to get Tulowitzki, but dealing such a big time star within the division is unlikely. Also, the Cincinnati Reds would be interested, but they might not be able to put together a package that is enticing to the Rockies.
Dealing a huge star that is under a long-term, relatively affordable contract, isn’t easy. Not many teams have the assets to swing a deal. Besides that, trading a great player who ostensibly has several good years left in the hopes of receiving new talent is a difficult tradeoff. Troy Tulowitzki is a superstar in his prime, those types don’t get moved very often.
