Yankees Add 5-Time All-Star as Battle for Machado Continues
The New York Yankees added some infield depth by coming to terms with veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
Tulowitzki, who missed the entire 2018 season for the Toronto Blue Jays after having surgery on both of his heels, will no doubt be counted on to fill in while New York starting shortstop Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John surgery.
But where does that leave that other shortstop the Yankees are rumored to be interested in — Manny Machado?
The Yankees continue to be among the favorites to sign the 26-year-old four-time All-Star, according to ESPN.
News at ESPN: Troy Tulowitzki is headed to the Yankees for the league-minimum, but it won’t stop them from continuing to pursue Manny Machado. https://t.co/b1IX74n6ts
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 2, 2019
While the Tulowitzki signing is dependent upon him passing a physical, if he does indeed join the Bronx Bombers, it raises questions on where all the pieces will fit.
Machado could be moved to third base once Gregorius comes back, but the Yankees have rookie star Michael Andujar at third. Andujar had a monster year, hitting 27 homers, knocking in 92 runs and batting .297.
The #Yankees informed Manny Machado days ago that they were signing Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to minimum contract as a no-risk move. Tulo has played only 66 games the last 2 seasons.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 2, 2019
Or the long-term plan might be to play Machado at short and let go of Gregorius, 28, after this season when he is a free agent.
Or perhaps the Yankees are getting cold feet about plunking down $300 million to $400 million on Machado and want Tulowitzki as insurance.
Sources say no, this move does not mean they are moving on from Machado, but only time will tell where he winds up.
Tulowitzki, 34, is a five-time All-Star who has spent most of the last two years with the Blue Jays on the injured list.
Tulo is said to have looked very good at workout. He always wanted to be a Yankee, and tried to get there years before. Deal gives NYY another possible SS option, and also can’t hurt their leverage with Manny Machado, who also is believed to prefer Yanks, all things being equal.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 2, 2019
The Blue Jays released him in December and paid off his $20 million annual salary. The Yankees signed him for the league minimum of $555,000, ESPN reported.
Tulowitzki’s last productive year was 2016 with Toronto, when he hit 24 home runs, had 79 RBIs and batted .254.
He hit over 20 home runs in a season seven times in his career and 30 or more twice. He’s batted over .300 for the year four times.
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