In perhaps the biggest trade that could have been made at this year’s Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays have acquired shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports .
BREAKING: Tulo traded to #BlueJays .
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015
Long rumored to be on the trading block, Tulowitzki recently stated that he would like to remain with the Colorado Rockies, stating that he signed with the intention of winning in Colorado. But he will now embark on a new journey north of the border with the Blue Jays. Heading to the Rockies is now former Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes and Minor League players, as noted by Rosenthal.
Source: Jose Reyes and minor leaguers to #Rockies . — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015
At 30-years-old, Tulowitzki has long been considered to be the best player at his position. With a lethal combination of power and defense, Tulowtizki has become a perennial All-Star. In 2015, the two-time Silver Slugger Tulowitzki is having a bit of a down year power wise but is still hitting.30o with 12 HR and 53 RBI.
It is surprising to see Tulowitzki traded to Toronto, as there have been several other teams with varying degrees of interest in the six-foot-three, 215-pound shortstop, teams with more pressing needs at shortstop, such as the New York Mets, New York Yankees , and several other teams. Tulowitzki did not have a no-trade clause in his contract, however, so he did not have the power to veto the trade, as noted by Rosenthal on MLB Network .
Yet, it’s not all bad for Tulowitzki. Since he is being traded, a clause in his contract kicks in. Thus, he will will receive $2 million for being traded and his contract will now contain a full no-trade clause.
Tulowitzki will receive a $2M assignment bonus for being traded and his contract converts to include full no-trade clause from here on out.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015
With the move, Tulowitzki can now be a part of a contending team, something the Rockies have struggled to be during his entire tenure with the team, outside of the Rockies appearance in the 2007 World Series. The Blue Jays are currently seven games back in the American League East as they trail the first place Yankees. But they are just three games back of the second Wild Card spot in the AL. Now, with Tulowitzki in the fold, they figure to make a strong run at the postseason.
In addition to Tulwitzki, the Blue Jays lineup already boasts sluggers such as Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Justin Smoak and others. If Tulowitzki can step into the heart of that lineup and produce the way he has in the past, Toronto can easily lay claim to having the premiere offense in all of baseball.
One thing that the team will have to be cautious of is Tulowitzki’s health. Despite his immense talent, staying on the field has proven to be difficult for the two-time Gold Glover Tulowitzki. He has not played in more than 143 games since 2011, as several injuries have limited his time on the field. But the Blue Jays have to be certain that Tulowitzki is healthy and capable of handling the turf at Rogers Centre.
tulo was said to have been “a little shocked.” then again, so was donaldson. and hes lovin toronto. leading AG vote getter.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 28, 2015
Rosenthal adds that 42-year-old LaTroy Hawkins will head to Toronto along with Tulowitzki. The veteran has pitched a 3.63 ERA this season through 22-and-one-third innings pitched.
Source: LaTroy Hawkins going with Tulo to #BlueJays .
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015
As for the Rockies, they will receive Jose Reyes from the Blue Jays. The former longtime New York Met has spent the past two and a half seasons with Toronto. This season, Reyes is batting.285 with four HR and 34 RBI through 69 games. Much like Tulowitzki, Reyes comes with his own lengthy injury history but going away from the turf might help. This does not mean that the trade is complete.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports tweets that 20-year-old right-handed pitcher Miguel Castro is headed to the Rockies in the trade. Castro started the season in the Major Leagues with the Blue Jays but only appeared in 13 games. The Rockies will also receive two additional Minor League players.
miguel castro, only 20, started year in big with jays. big arm, big potential. he goes with reyes to rox. #tulo
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 28, 2015
The Rockies could still flip Reyes to another team or any other assortment of possibilities. However, Joel Sherman of the New York Post hears that the Rockies do not have any immediate trades lined up to flip Reyes. The Mets are widely speculated as a possible suitor for Reyes. He spent the first nine years of his career in Queens and the team currently needs to fill an offensive and defensive void at shortstop.
Told #Rockies have no deals lined up to flip Reyes quickly. #Bluejays #Mets — Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 28, 2015
Finally, the trade will not see any money involved as Heyman adds that it will be a straight-up trade.
there is no $ involved in the tulo trade. straight deal.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 28, 2015
[Image by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images]