MLB Rumors: Yankees' Agreement With Tulowitzki Won't Stop Manny Machado Pursuit

The New York Yankees after reached an agreement with free agent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal yet to be confirmed by the Yankees is pending a physical.

Tulowitzki, who is a five-time All Star, two-time Gold Glove Award and two-time Silver Slugger winner, will join the Yankees on a league-minimum contract after he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays last month.

The deal for the free agent infielder was reportedly too good to pass up for the Yankees as it was a win-win situation for them. They will pay Tulowitzki a league-minimum wage as the Blue Jays are on the hook for the $38 million owed to the player over the next two seasons.

Tulowitzki will fill in for Didi Gregorius, who is currently sidelined after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He is expected to be sidelined at least until June, but it could also be as late as August before he returns to action.

The 34-year-old missed almost the entire 2018 season due to heel problems and will be hoping to make a successful comeback this year. Tulowitzki joined the BlueJays prior to the 2015 Trade Deadline but failed to fulfill his potential in the 238 games he played for the Toronto franchise in three and a half seasons.

Tulowitzki made his debut as a 21 year old for the Colorado Rockies and quickly established himself as one of the best all-round players. In 1,048 games with Colorado he racked up 188 homers and 657 RBI’s, according to MLB.com.

The Yankees move for Tulowitzki came out of the blue as the only shortstop they have been continually linked to has been Manny Machado. The free agent shortstop is probably the second most after player after Bryce Harper, this offseason.

AndJeff Passan made it clear that their signing of Tulowitzki will in no way hinder their chase for Machado, who is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks about his next destination.

Machado went on a three-city tour in December before the holidays with his first stop being in Chicago to meet the White Sox. He followed it up with trips to New York and Philadelphia to meet the Yankees and Phillies respectively.

The White Sox and Phillies are ready to offer him the record setting deal worth around $300 million over 10-years that he is seeking, but the Yankees are said to be looking at a more short-term deal with more average annual value.

Despite their different approach, many have installed them as favorites with MLB Insider Anthony Castrovince suggesting that he will sign for the storied New York franchise in the next 10 days.