The MLB trade deadline is not for a couple months, but rumors are already flying regarding players like Troy Tulowitzki and Cole Hamels and the shortstop could move first, as he may request a trade from the Colorado Rockies and if that happens, teams like the NY Mets, LA Angels, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres and New York Yankees could be interested.
Tulowitzki has come up in trade rumors over the past couple years, but the Rockies have not come close to making a deal. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Tulowitzki is meeting with his agent on Thursday and the two will discuss the shortstops' future in Colorado and they could decide to ask the team for a trade. Sherman writes that Tulo's agent, Paul Cohen, said that "to say that it is not a possibility would be silly", as the Rockies are rebuilding and have been one of the worst teams in the league this season.
Tulowitzki came up in trade talks last season, but he was injured for most of the year and that kept things quiet at the trading deadline. Sherman writes that Tulowitzki could ask for a trade sooner rather than later with the way the Rockies are playing and that the Mets, Pirates, Mariners and Padres all could be potential landing spots. Jay Jaffe at SI.com also puts the Los Angeles Angels in the mix as an option, as they have the money and Erick Aybar is not tearing things up this season quite yet.
Tulo has six years and $118 million left on his contract and while that is a ton of money, it actually isn't that bad considering how talented Tulowitzki is and what price stars go for these days. The toughest part for teams is gauging the need with the uncertainty of Tulowitzki and his injury history. Tulowitzki has not played in over 150 games since back in 2009 and he has only done that twice in his career. Tulowitzki played in 143 games in 2011 and that is his highest total since the 2009 season.
That uncertainty could keep some teams out, including the Yankees, but Tulowitzki should have plenty of interest anyway. The Mets have a need at short and they could look at a deal, but making big money moves has not been their MO in recent years. The team has the talent to make a deal, as they have players like Noah Syndegaard, Kevin Plawecki, and Wilmer Flores to dangle. The Mariners also could be an option, as they have both Chris Taylor and Brad Miller battling for shortstop as solid prospects.
Tulowitzki is hitting .303 this season and he has 33 hits with two home runs and 11 RBIs and while that isn't a great start, he has the potential to breakout big. Tulowitzki is one of the best offensive shortstops when he is healthy and if he can stay on the field, he could be very valuable for whatever team picks him up. The Rockies trading Tulowitzki could start the floodgates for the team, as names like Carlos Gonzalez, Justin Morneau and Jorge De La Rosa or Nolan Arenado could be traded.