Yankees signing Troy Tulowitzki to league minimum contract makes sense

The Yankees are in need of a shortstop; someone that can take over until Didi Gregorius is ready to make his return from Tommy John Surgery. Look no further, Brian Cashman, the Toronto Blue Jays just released a 5x All-Star shortstop.

A 12-year veteran, Troy Tulowitzki used to be considered one of the best all-around players in baseball. But age has not been kind to “Tulo,” as the infielder hasn’t played 151 games in a season since 2009 — which includes missing all of last season due to bone spurs in his both heels. Yet, that’s precisely why the Yankees should sign Tulowitzki.

His health concerns leave him as an underrated asset with little risk and high reward.

Tulo’s defense has always been superb; a two-time Gold Glove winner, who even at 34 years of age will still do an excellent job in lieu of the injured Didi Gregorius.

A career .290/.361/.495 hitter with 224 home runs, 774 RBIs and two Silver Slugger Awards, Tulowitzki was once considered by many as a five-tool player.

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Sure, his last few seasons haven’t been special, but Tulo hit .254 with 24 home runs over 131 games in 2016. The following year saw Tulo hit right around .250 again, while keeping his home run rate close to his best seasons. He even saw his strikeout rate drop to the lowest of his career, 15.4 percent.

Despite playing most of his career in Colorado, Tulo is well worth the risk, especially since the Yanks could sign him for the veteran’s minimum. The Blue Jays will be on the hook for $20 million in 2019, $14 million in 2020 and a $4 million team buyout in ’21.

The Yankees need a shortstop, and Tulowitzki is now a free agent. He should at the very least be considered as a fill-in option. If the Yankees aim is to strengthen the rotation further, then they should sign Tulowitzki as to leave plenty of salary for a significant transaction.