Why Troy Tulowitzki May Be The Next New York Yankees Shortstop

July 6, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop

(2) walks in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgersat Coors Field. The Dodgers defeated the Rockies 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

That would be a rather smooth transition huh? Derek Jeter to Troy Tulowitzki. Fun right? Well, it may not be such pie in the sky thinking. According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Tulo may want out of Colorado after this season. He’s owed $118 million from next year through 2020 with a club option for 2021. Can this be done?

Well money really isn’t a concern to the Yankees. They can afford that just on the merchandise sales and increase in ticket sales  from Tulo alone if they make the trade. The Yankees print money. Period. First, the Rockies have to be willing to deal their face of the franchise.  What kind of package would it take though to get arguably the best shortstop in the game and what competition would they face to do it?

Well let’s look at competition. You can cross off the entire NL West. That won’t happen. Would Seattle have the money to wrap up over $50 million in Robinson Cano and Tulo? Doubtful. Can’t see Detroit going after him. Baltimore may not have the money for him. In the NL, the Reds could use him, but I’m not sure they can add that kind of payroll. St Louis was interested but they have Jhonny Peralta which complicates things. The Mets could use him, but can they afford him?

The one team that could compete is Boston, but I’m not sure they acquire him. Why? They have a ton of prospects who play short and third, plus they weren’t willing to invest big money in Jacoby Ellsbury and may not want to in Jon Lester. That leaves it wide open for the Yanks.

Now to the trade package. According to the Rosenthal article, the Rockies are unhappy with the defense of Willin Rosario behind the dish. The Yankees have a ton of catching prospects, so let’s put in John Ryan Murphy. Justin Morneau only has one year left on his deal, so let’s add Peter O’Brien to the package as well.

The Rockies need some pitching help. Danny Burawa could be a help for the bullpen. Finally, the one last piece to the puzzle is needed and it’s a starter. No, not Luis Severino. Ian Clarkin is the guy.

Are those four a lot? Yes, but the Yankees can have Colorado pick up some of the tab. You gotta give to get. For the Yankees, they have a power hitting shortstop, who by the way they can protect by putting him at DH once or twice a week, so he doesn’t get hurt so much. This won’t happen now. Just remember this for the off-season.