Blue Jays: Is it time to cut bait on Troy Tulowitzki?

Toronto Blue Jays veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitzki hasn’t suited up in a major league game since July 28th, 2017and is still owed $38 million over the course of the next two seasons.

However, the million dollar question begs to be asked, when do the Toronto Blue Jays cut bait with Troy Tulowitzki once and for all or can he actually rehab his way back to relevance?

The Blue Jays are on the hook for the financial obligations regardless if Tulo is a member of the team or not, there is no avoiding that. The sticking point is the Jays don’t need a player who is a shell of his former self-occupying a roster spot when they have a plethora of talented infielders who can assume the shortstop roles.

As it stands right now, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will be the opening day starter regardless of where Tulowitzki’s health is. If Gurriel falters the legend that is Bo Bichette will be waiting in the wings for his opportunity at the MLB level.

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General Manager’ Ross Atkins addressed the media a few days earlier and pulled no punches when he quipped that it “would be unlikely based on what has occurred in the last two and a half years” that Tulowitzki will be an above average player.

Last August, Tulowitzki spoke about his plans to remain at the shortstop in 2019 and did not waiver on his confidence in his ability.

“I believe in my ability. I believe in the homework that I do, so without a doubt. And guess what? My heels aren’t going to be hurting either and I played with my heels bothering me the last couple of years. I might even be better suited for the position as I get older.”

Even when healthy, Tulowitzki never resembled the player he once was in Colorado since the Jays acquired him. Which makes it even more unlikely that at age 34, he will return from heel surgery and become a force to be reckoned with.

Since becoming a Blue Jay, Tulowitzki sports a .250/.330/.414 line with 36 home runs in 238 games. In comparison, Tulo hit .299/.371/.513 over the course of a decade with the Rockies and appeared to be on the fast track to Cooperstown.

It will be interesting to see how the relationship between the Blue Jays and Tulowitzki plays out but I have a sneaking suspicion we may be on the slippery slope toward an ill-timed divorce.