Blue Jays: Troy Tulowitzki now open to a position change with new team

Shortly after the Toronto Blue Jays cut ties with the oft-injured Troy Tulowitzki, it was reported the shortstop would be open to a position change specifically with the Oakland Athletics.

According to Susan Slusser of SF Chronicle, Troy Tulowitzki would be willing to consider a position change for the opportunity to play in the Bay Area and for a winning team. The A’s have an obvious need at second base and the price would definitely be right to bring the veteran on board.

This is quite the contrast from the stance Tulowitzki took at the end of last season, the 34-year old dug in his heels when he addressed the Toronto media indicating he was a shortstop and would pack his bag if someone was better than him.

Perhaps his release provided Tulo with an opportunity for some self-reflection and he realized he cannot pigeonhole himself into one position at this stage of his career. Don’t be surprised if the California native latches on in Oakland with the upstart Athletics.

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It appears the Jays did not want Tulowitzki to be a distraction during spring training and view Lourdes Gurriel Jr. higher on the depth chart. Maybe, if Tulo has been more open to a position change or utility role in 2019, he would still be employed with the Blue Jays today.

There is an obvious changing of the guard in Toronto as most of the veterans from their historic 2015 run have all but since moved on. One has to wonder if catcher Russell Martin will be the next on the chopping block although he is more than happy to play multiple positions.

Regardless, the aging shortstop will still collect his $38 million from the Blue Jays as he embarks on a new chapter of his career no matter where on the diamond that may be.