The New York Yankees will not be replacing legendary captain Derek Jeter with Rockies All-Star Troy Tulowitzki, according to The New York Daily News.
Andy Martino of The Daily News wrote "Every time you talk to an official for a rival team, or an agent who has dealt with them this offseason, you hear the same theme -- the Yanks truly are behaving as if they mean it about avoiding more long-term contracts."
Troy Tulowtizki's talent is undeniable-last season he swatted 21 home runs and batted .340 in 91 games and was worth 5.1 WAR per Fangraphs. The 91 games played is the issue however. Since 2007 Tulowitzki has missed significant time in five seasons; in two of the last three years Tulo failed to play in even 100 games. In that time frame from 2007 to the present, Tulo has suited up for 936 games out of a possible 1,296.
Tulowitzki is already 30 years old and signed through 2021 at $20 million per season until 2019. His contract would be one of the biggest on the Yankees, who already have five players making more than $20 million in 2015. They have four players making $20 million-plus through 2017: CC Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka, Alex Rodriguez and Jacoby Ellsbury.
Another factor that could obstruct a Tulowitzki trade should the Yankees put aside the staggering numbers is Colorado's potential reluctance to deal their star shortstop. In his article Martino wrote rival executives "have the impression that Tulo is not available."
The Yankees answer right now at shortstop is light-hitting Brendan Ryan, with the prospect of re-signing Stephen Drew in the mix. Hanley Ramirez was the top shortstop on the market before signing with the Boston Red Sox, and behind him the talent drops off significantly.
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