Blue Jays: Some ideas on how to trade Troy Tulowitzki

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Ian Desmond- Colorado Rockies

Since I already mentioned that Tulowitzki is a former Rockie, I figured I’d start with one scenario that could be feasible, at least in terms of the receiving team being open to taking Tulowitzki into the fold.

To be clear, the Rockies do not need a shortstop, as they have one of the best in the game in Trevor Story, who was part of the reason they moved on from Tulo back when he was traded to begin with. They don’t really need much help around the infield either, with the exception of maybe first base. As mentioned above as well, Tulo has already said he wouldn’t move positions, but perhaps he’d be more open minded with his old club, who should be a contender in 2019.

In this hypothetical deal, the Rockies would send back Ian Desmond and the 40 million he’s guaranteed over the next three seasons. I’m not sure the Blue Jays would want to add another year to their commitment, but Desmond is scheduled to make 15 million in each of the next two seasons, followed by eight million in 2021, and a two million dollar buyout on his 15 million dollar option for 2022. By the time two years from now rolls around, that contract could be a lot easier to swallow, if they chose.

Desmond would offer a first base/outfield option, who is likely best used in a platoon situation at this point in his career. He’s not exactly an upgrade, but he’s got a lot better chance of staying on the field than Tulowitzki does, at least if I were putting my money down. With that in mind, the Blue Jays might need to kick in some money and/or some prospect value to make the deal more appealing to Colorado, but I’m sure they would be interested in moving on from Desmond.

Whether or not they’d be willing to take back Tulowitzki may depend on his attitude about playing shortstop. It would be a pretty cool story to see him return to the team that drafted him and play well as a first baseman, or even a utility infielder, but it’s hard to say if he would allow for the possibility, let alone if the Rockies would go for it, especially with some talent in their minor league system. It’s an idea though, give me that at least.