The Pirates are among the teams with interest in free-agent infielder Troy Tulowitzki, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports (subscription required). Tulowitzki was released by the Blue Jays earlier this month.
Pittsburgh skipper Clint Hurdle is quite familiar with Tulo from the pair’s days with the Rockies, when Tulowitzki was among the game’s brightest young stars. At 34 years of age and coming off a season in which he did not play after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs in both feet, Tulowitzki is a far cry from his days as an MVP candidate. However, he’d cost the Pirates (or any signing team) only the league minimum, as the Blue Jays are on the hook for the remainder of his salary in 2019-20. Presumably, there are at least a handful of clubs intrigued to see how Tulo would hold up now that he’s a ways removed from surgery and not playing his home games on the artificial turf at Toronto’s Rogers Centre.
That said, it’s been quite some time since Tulowitzki was viewed as an above-average regular at the big league level. He hit just .249/.300/.378 through 266 plate appearances with the Blue Jays back in 2017 — his last taste of Major League work. Tulo made All-Star teams in both 2015 and 2016, though his overall offensive output in both of those seasons was roughly equivalent to a league-average hitter when weighting his production for the hitter-friendly environments he called home in Colorado and Toronto. Paired with his then-strong defensive contributions, that still made him quite a valuable asset, but you’d have to go all the way back to the 2014 season for the last time that Tulowitzki turned in a star-caliber performance.
The Pirates, of course, wouldn’t be expecting an All-Star showing from Tulowitzki, but rather the opportunity to buy low on a player who not long ago was viewed as a premier big league talent. If Tulowitzki can function even as an average regular in the infield, that’d be a steal at a league-minimum rate. And the Pirates, it should be noted, are facing uncertainty in the infield.
[Related: Pittsburgh Pirates depth chart]
Adam Frazier impressed last year in semi-regular work at second base, but shortstop is far less settled with Kevin Newman and Erik Gonzalez among the current options. Third base doesn’t offer much more stability, with Jung Ho Kang looking to re-establish himself following a DUI arrest in his native South Korea that cost him more than a season of action in the Majors. Meanwhile, Colin Moran, acquired in last winter’s Gerrit Cole swap, didn’t exactly take the third base job and run with it.
While Tulo wouldn’t offer any more certainty than most of those options in the wake of a lost season, his agent has indicated his client’s willingness to play either second base or third base in 2019 (link via the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser), so he’d be an interesting depth option for the Pittsburgh organization to add at a minimal cost.
Will he pass a physical or is the interest in a coaching position?
I hope your not being serious
absolutely serious. He’s been on Toronto’s DL: for how long? Why would anybody else expect him to play at MLB level?
He’s not expected to play per the Blue Jays GM
“Blue Jays GM: Troy Tulowitzki unlikely to play regularly in 2019
msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/blue…tulowitzki…play…2019/ar-BBQBIwd
Dec 7, 2018 – Atkins didn’t mince words when asked if shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who missed the entire 2018 season due to bone spurs in both feet, would be …
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I agree, can he walk normal is a better question.
Are you all 12 years old?They said Regularly,get him off the Turf and I bet he can serve a team well playing 90-100 games in a the infield,at various positions,there are a lot of teams that do that with him and by the way people heal,lol
That link doesn’t exist. I did find this quote from Atkins, “Candidly, and I think Troy would agree with me, that is not likely,” said the GM. “He will have to overachieve to play shortstop at an above-average level, with above-average offensive performance for 140 games.” I don’t think anyone realistically believes Tulo will play 140 games in 2019, but 80 games of Tulo is better than most other players. For MLB minimum, taking a risk on him playing a half season of games at some infield position is a no-brainer.
I didn’t realize the turf in Colorado is what affected him all those years. Kidding. Hopefully moving away from Toronto helps.
The Blue Jays played over 70 games on grass LAST year, by the way, and Tulo didn’t play in any of them. Just saying…,
Any team that thinks Tulo can still play SS is going to be severely disappointed.
For the league minimum? I’d take a chance, disappointment or not.
Unless your 40 man is full (like the Pirates) and the person that’s DFA’ed is lost and pans out for the team that picks him up. If you’re willing to risk that then I say go ahead give him a job.
Yup. It’s definitely a roll of the dice for league minimum.
1) A 40% Tulo will put up more production than any body the pirates throw out there.
2) Also, he could take 1st round pick Kevin Newman under his wing instead of them just throwing him out there and breaking his confidence.
3) He’s also a veteran and former all star so there’s the intangible factor.
A player does not actually have to pass a physical in order to be signed and play. That’s a common misnomer. The physical is to protect the team, not the player.
Do it! Even for the name alone.
Injury disabled list-thy name is Tulowitzki
Makes a ton of sense. I kinda want to see how Tulo rebounds defensively.
This is a move that needs to happen. What other semi competitive team can provide Tulo with regular time at shortstop? He provides a great stopgap for Newman, who doesnt seem quite ready.
Tulo never plays, he provides nothing. How does that help?
Because he costs league minimum.
He will not cost league minimum. Can get AT LEAST 5 Mil
Freddy H….actually the Blue Jays are paying him $20 mil not to play for them.. So whoever signs him will only be paying him league minimum
so he’ll waste a roster spot then…got it
A roster spot that would otherwise go to whom? Everybody has guys on their roster who hit a buck-ninety and strike out one of every three times up. I’d give the guy a chance. Take a look in spring training and go from there. If he doesn’t work out, they dry their roster spot back and are only out league minimum.
that’s a pretty bleak view of the Pirates roster. He occupies a spot that a prospect that might help them will not get. what indication is there that after 2 years, he’s going to play or even produce? mentoring? clubhouse presence? isn’t that what coaches are for? Pirates need guys that can play now
For the vet minimum he might be worth it as a mentor alone if his head is in the right place. If he can’t do it anymore, can’t stay healthy, or has a poor attitude, then the Bucs cut their minimal loss and move on. It’s absolutely worth a shot to try.
“If I don’t play short, then i’ll pack up and go home” Is that the mentorship you want?
He has said he would be willing to switch positions
^If he CAN’T play short. Seems many SD fans struggle with reading on this website….
no strugge to understand. “If” suggests there is a possibility, there isn’t a possibility. The Blue Jays are paying him not to be on their roster. I believe they want nothing more than to put a healthy Tulowitzki at short but it appears they’ve lost hope. Your hope appears endless. Reality is something you appear to be struggling with.
^Nice try kid. Not sure what hope you are referring to. Besides, as a SD Padres fan you don’t know the concept of hope. Only hope for your team is relocation. Good luck with the angst.
Certainly SDnotaFriarsFan does.
He’s a major league minimum salary player. Anything he provides is plus value to a team so any team except for the Blue Jays are interested. I’d personally like to see him go back to the Rockies where his numbers will at least presumably improve and he is greeted by a fan base that will love him for what he was.
Yep. If he can still play at all, anybody would want him. The only teams who wouldn’t have interest would be those who can’t spare a roster spot while he figures it out.
As a Rockies fan I would love Tulo to be a Rockie again, although Very unlikely given the circumstances on how he left. Rockies have an opening at 2B if Tulo would switch positions
yes, and I would love Duke Snider to be a Dodger again. what is your point?
This makes too much sense. The Bucs need a shortstop. They also need a player with name recognition. Troy doesn’t have to be the player he once was, and for a minimum get contract it would behoove the Bucs to see if Tulo can still play.
Tulo can go pretty much wherever he wants. Having Hurdle might make Pittsburgh attractive to him, though.
What do you know that the Bluer Jays GM doesn’t? Here’s what he said :”Blue Jays GM: Troy Tulowitzki unlikely to play regularly in 2019
msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/blue…tulowitzki…play…2019/ar-BBQBIwd
Dec 7, 2018 – Atkins didn’t mince words when asked if shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who missed the entire 2018 season due to bone spurs in both feet, would be …
Atkins speaks for the Jays, not for the Pittsburgh Pirates, nor anyone else. Seems to me once upon a time there was a coach who didn’t think Michael Jordan could play.
it says unlikely. does not say absolutely will miss the entire 2019 season. The blue jays cut him because they wannna give some one yonger a chance at the position.however for any other team in the mlb taken a chance on him for league minimum is worth it. i know lots of players getting payed millions and aren’t producing or even playing anymore but still owed money. you are missing the point completely. your acting like he’s getting paid 10 million dollars from another team. but he is not!! so any team but the blue jays are getting a decent chance to take a risk with him.
The article says he is unlikely to Start 140 games, not that he is unlikely to play at all.
There are two ways to interpret what the Jays GM said: 1) Tulo is physically unable to play or 2) the Jays have preferable alternatives that would prevent Tulo from getting playing time. With Gurriel and eventually Bichette in the fold, option 2 seems like a reasonable interpretation.
Multiple teams apparently disagree with your interpretation of Atkins’s comments, since multiple teams have reportedly talked to Tulo and his representatives. I’ll just leave it at that.
I wonder if the Rockies would be interested in him as a utility infielder? Might make some sense for both to have a reunion.
If he went to Rockies it would most likely be 2B split with him and the rookie from last year whos name is escaping me right now
I believe you’re thinking of Garrett Hampson. And yes, as a Rox fan myself, I see the appeal of bringing Tulo back in a utility role, but I can’t imagine that Tulo himself would care to return to Denver. There wasn’t much love lost between him and the organization when they shipped him off to Toronto, and I can’t imagine he’d be interested in rebuilding that bridge any time soon.
Pit might be the best fit for him. Hurdle might be the best guy for his attitude.
Boom boom boom boom boom
Boom boom boom boom NoGo!
I’m just here for the troll king.
I am surprised every team is not in on him! I realize he has not been able to stay healthy, but at league minimum he could be worth it to every club in MLB. Except the Blue Jays obviously haha.
“Please sign him Pirates” – Reds, Cardinals, Cubs & Brewer fans.
You won’t be saying that when he wins the comeback player of the year unanimously! Hey….it could happen. Probably not but…..
he won’t play more than 81 games…and that’s being generous.
2017
Tulowitzki was placed on the 10-day disabled list on April 22 after suffering a hamstring injury.[77] He returned to the lineup on May 26 after missing 31 games.[78] On July 29, Tulowitzki was placed back on the disabled list with a sprained right ankle, which he injured running to first base.[79] He was later diagnosed with ligament damage.[80] On August 9, he was moved to the 60-day disabled list, ruling him out for the season. In 66 games, Tulowitzki hit .249 with seven home runs and 26 RBI.[81]
2018
Early in 2018 spring training, it was announced that Tulowitzki had a bone spur in his right ankle, and that he would miss the start of the Grapefruit League season.[82] On March 4, John Gibbons stated Tulowitzki was unlikely to be ready for Opening Day.[83] Tulowitzki did not appear in any spring training games, and was placed on the 60-day disabled list to begin the year. On March 30, it was announced that his bone spurs would require surgery.[84] He missed the entire 2018 season. On December 11, 2018, Tulowitzki was released by the Blue Jays.[85]
Not likely he’ll win comeback player of the year.
Yeah because those teams don’t want to see a Newman or utility player at short in Pittsburgh. Priceless logic
Heard he has told MLB he will only play in the all-star game
It’s possible that Moran took the third base job and ran with it, though with his foot speed it’s pretty tough to tell.
I’m all for it. Low risk high reward, and if he does get hurt again, Newman/Gonzalez should be a sufficient stopgap for Tucker. Plus that combo wouldn’t be much of a downgrade from any other FA SS other than Machado, who has zero chance of signing with Pittsburgh.
What does playing on turf have to do with this? The infield in Toronto may be turf but the concrete has been removed. Tulo only played a half a season on the concrete. Toronto has a DIRT infield!
I wish Tulo well. He’s a class act that has been hammered by injuries.
Fans clambering to throw $400M at Harper, but in the next breath, can’t stomach wasting the veteran minimum on Tulo ? Riiiight …
At that price, he makes sense for 2/3 of the league.
Agreed
Not a Fit. . .
He is from the Oakland area. Oakland is still a possibility.
Yes, Tulo is from the Bay Area. Surprised the Giants and A’s aren’t taking much interest.
Texas Rangers to play 3b/DH with Beltre retiring. Nothing to lose really
Profar is the Rangers 3B isn’t he?
Will this put the Pirates over the Luxury Tax Threshold?
The thought of the Pirates ever being anywhere near the luxury tax threshold really give me the giggles.
I don’t know. They could be getting close. The Pirates just signed Jordan Lyles so they could be getting very close.
Why not take a below $1 million shot at him. Nobody expects him to return to what he once was, but .250/.315/.430 with 20 HRS and decent defense doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility if he stays healthy.
Tulo coming to the Bucs only makes sense to management because he’d come cheaply. This is a team that trades away or drops stopgap players like Harrison, Mercer, Nova—guys who can fill a position capably while young talent gets more experience for the MLB level—all because they are once again screaming ‘cash strapped’.
Being reunited with Hurdle, getting off turf—makes sense. Guess that’s why I have to doubt it. After all, we have the utility player from Cleveland already penciled in at short
Would love to see him in Milwaukee; possible he could benefit from a change of scenery
reunited with hurdle
I hope Cashman sees somehting left in Tulo and gives him a shot at Yankees SS until Didi is ready. Otherwise go to a team that needs a veteran bench guy or retire. End of Tulo’s story.
Anybody that thinks this is a bad idea by the pirates doesn’t know baseball even in the slightest. Who other than machado is actually a better short stop out there. The dude hit 24 home runs and drove in 76 two years ago with the blue jays, there is still some left in the tank in my opinion. everybody (Including me) Gets on the pirates for never making a move. well they’re going after troy freaking tulowitzki. I hate the pirates management too more than anyone, but literally anything tulo does is better than mercer so i don’t understand how people can say they don’t want him. blows my mind. AAAnd, how can people be happy about kang coming back and optimistic but not tulo? Kang hasn’t played for 3 years!!!!
I imagine the increased optimism around Kang is because he still has functioning legs, knees and feet.
It’s weird how many of the people who routinely accuse the Pirates of being cheap and not wanting to win want them to sign a player based solely on his name value because he’s league minimum.
It’s a good risk/reward move, sure, but it’s not necessarily a great opportunity cost move. If you make Tulo/Newman your SS combo, you forego the opportunity to acquire a better one.
Their best move would be to trade for Nick Ahmed, possibly by including Newman in the package and using Erik Gonzalez as the backup SS. IIRC, Ahmed had 16 HR’s and 20 DRS last year.
Ahmed is not a better player than Tulo. Even with 16 HRs, he slashed .234/.290/.411 in what was his best offensive season. He’s safer sure, but so was Mercer. That’s what makes Tulo stand out, he’s the only available SS sans Machado who could be a significant upgrade from Mercer. And he’s dirt cheap, which the Pirates should love. His agent says he’s the healthiest he’s been in awhile, so he’s probably worth a shot. And if he does get hurt, Newman/Gonzalez should be at least serviceable.
Tulowitzki is much more established ball player than Lonnie Chisenhall. And if the Pirates gave a chance to injury prone Chisenhall, they should definitely give it to Tulo as well.
I would like to see Seattle make a run at him. The M’s could almost garauntee him SS for half a year. This would allow Crawford to begin the season in AAA. If he played well he could be traded to a contender. If not, bring up Crawford at the deadline.
Per Rosenthal, Tulo and Bucs agree to deal.
I think Colin Moran did a decent job at third base last year.Remember he was only a rookie per-say so I see him being a lot better this year