Despite statements by Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich that Troy Tulowitzki is not available for trade, Jim Bowden of ESPN (Insider Subscribers) writes that ultimately Tulo will be dealt in a blockbuster deal for the good of the organization.
He lists the top five likely trade destinations as the Mets, Yankees, Mariners, Padres and Nationals.
1. New York Mets
The Mets have built a rotation that should allow them to be contenders for years to come. This year’s team has a legitimate chance to win the division or at the very least make the postseason as a wild-card team.
The Mets have a glaring need at shortstop, where Wilmer Flores has clearly shown that, defensively, he should probably change positions. The Mets also could use another impact bat to put in the middle of their lineup, and Tulo would solve both issues. Tulowitzki has the personality and leadership to succeed in New York and would be a real difference-maker for the Mets.
The Mets could offer a package of left-handed starter Steven Matz, right-handed reliever Rafael Montero and catcher Kevin Plawecki. The Mets have enough pitching depth to part with Matz and Montero, and Travis d’Arnaud’s preesence can make Plawecki available. This would be a strong talent return for the Rockies, and because of it, they would have to eat approximately $25-30 million of Tulowitzki’s contract.
Would you do that deal as is? If they eat the $25 million as Bowden suggests, than Tulo comes at a cost of $80 million through the 2020 season, or about $13 million a year.
If not now, eventually the Mets are going to have to deal one of the catchers. I don’t think Montero will be missed much, and as for Matz, you’ve got to give up one of our prized arms. Share your thoughts below…
