Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki says that he has no interest in being traded, as MLB.com’s Tracy Ringolsby reports. While the franchise star does not have the ability to block a deal, prior reports have indicated that his preferences (particularly if stated publicly) would have a highly significant influence on the willingness of owner Dick Monfort to permit a deal.
Tulowitzki has not played up to his usual standards this season, though he still cracked the All-Star roster and has been one of the most productive shortstops in baseball this year. The downturn (especially in defensive metrics) might not be as concerning had Tulowitzki not missed the second half of 2014 recovering from hip surgery. As things stand, though, his value is somewhat diminished, though teams would still line up for a chance to add him.
The biggest issue with Tulowitzki’s trade value, of course, is the combination of his notable injury history, age (nearly 31), and big contract. He’s set to earn $20MM annually not only this year but from 2016-2019, and will be promised at least $17MM thereafter for his 2020 guarantee and the buyout of a 2021 option.
Tulowitzki did couch his comments somewhat, but certainly did nothing to suggest that he’s going to campaign for a deal — far from it, in fact. “I didn’t sign my contract because I wanted to be somewhere else,” Tulowitzki said. “I signed my contract because I want to be with the Rockies.” He added that any trade speculation has “just been a lot of rumors,” so far as he is concerned.
While he obviously does not have the final say on the question whether he is dealt, it certainly does not sound as if Tulowitzki has had any conversations with the organization regarding a move. He expressed confidence in the team’s young talent — which includes at least two possible future replacements at shortstop in Trevor Story and Brendan Rodgers — an indicated that he has every hope of playing for a contender again in Colorado. “We have the makings of a team that can win,” he said. “To win here would be very satisfying.”
More generally, Rockies GM Jeff Bridich has played his cards close to the vest in the run-up to the deadline, as Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports. Saunders reiterates that he has heard no indication of a trade of Tulowitzki, though he notes that a move involving Carlos Gonzalez could make some sense. There are other theoretical candidates as well, of course — closer John Axford, outfielder Charlie Blackmon, and catcher/first baseman Wilin Rosario among them — but there have been few reports indicating which if any the Rockies are interested in parting with.
I guess being on a god awful team is an interesting prospect and leads to winning.
He obviously wants to be a Yankee…………..
He obviously wants to stay with the same franchise for his entire career, just like Jeter. He has stated that publicly several times, but many fans of other teams like to see things that aren’t there just to hope that he wants to be a part of their team. Just a harmless delusion, nothing really wrong with that.
He wants to be a red sox
Lol so Tulo would really want to leave the last place Rockies to join the last place Sox…….hope you can survive the rest of the Red Sox season lol………..
He is signed through 2020. Know how much can happen in a 5 year span? Or even a 4 year span (Phillies best record in baseball, Royals and Pirates had 71 and 70 wins). Heck even 2 years ago when the Sox won the WS, and as of now, they have the worst record in the AL.
MB how bout our yankees this year…..good squad aren’t they……
I’m thinking Boston has enough log jam on its team already. An over paid first, second, third baseman… A left fielder who is meant to be a DH and Allen Craig / Rusney Castillo making Pawtucket one of the most expensive AAA clubs in the land.
I really don’t think the 2nd basemen is overpaid…..
I put this in the survey, but this article has aspects of laziness to it in your Rockies reporting. Going into tonights game, Tulo had reached base in 41 consecutive games. Yeah, he might only have 12 home runs, but the man is clearly doing what he can to help the team win. You could have recognized that instead of saying “he’s not playing up to his usual standards”.
The other thing. How many games has Wilin Rosario appeared in at Catcher this year? ZERO!! He has not put on the gear once! Yet you have him listed as a Catcher in your story. You know how long it took me to confirm that? Five seconds on baseball-reference. Rosario is a platoon first baseman, playing only against lefties. He’s bad behind the plate, something you all reported on extensively last off season. Do some homework. You’re supposed to be knowledgable of every team to be a reporter for this site.
Rockies fans aren’t asking for much. We know this team has major problems. We just want to see a little non Coors Field bashing, this team is irrelevant so I’m not going to put any thought into it whatsoever reporting from the media.
Thank you.
I live two miles from Coors Field, fwiw, so I’m not inattentive to the Rockies.
I appreciate the criticism, and agree with noting Rosario’s changed role this year, though I don’t think one club’s usage in one season completely wipes out a player’s past. That’s an oversight from typing quickly on a busy night, not a lack of “homework” — not that it excuses the error.
As for Tulo, I don’t see the issue. I noted he’s still been one of the game’s better shortstops. But he hasn’t played to his (absurdly high) standards. I’ll stand by that characterization. Through this point of the season last year, for example, he’d racked up 5 fWAR. This year, he has less than 2 fWAR. That’s rather a significant difference.
In May , Tulo, the Nut case wants out, Now pleading to stay. Perfect for New York, either Team .
LoL Tulo says “he’ll pretend something is on the line this year”
Yeah sure Tulo
The Rockies have given no indication they are willing to accept a reasonable return for Tulo. Given the lack of an obvious destination that would be willing to overpay I think we can safely presume Tulowitzki isn’t going anywhere, probably ever.
Didn’t he want out last year? Oh well. Rockies are crazy not to trade him. He may have star power but the Rockies haven’t made the playoffs since 2009 and they don’t look like they’re going to make it back soon.
Why would he want to go elsewhere. They may expect him to play more than 1/2 the time and stay healthy.
injuries plus him being awful in road stadiums is reason enough for teams not to want him.hit 500 on the road one season almost and about 250 on the road doesn’t seem to make much sense to go for him then.