There was a time when Troy Tulowitzki was one of the best players in the game. That time has long since passed. Now, it is time that the Toronto Blue Jays move on from the oft injured shortstop.
During his time with the Colorado Rockies, Troy Tulowitzki was one of the best shortstops in the game. A five time All Star, Tulowitzki won two Gold Glove awards, was a two time Silver Slugger, and finished in the top ten of the MVP award three times. When he was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline in 2015, the hope was that he would lead the team to a World Series berth.
Instead, Tulowitzki has been a shell of his former self. The injuries had taken their toll, continuing during his stint in Toronto. At this point, the former All Star has posted a meager .250/.313/.414 batting line, worth an OPS+ of just 93. He has 36 homers and 39 doubles in his 987 plate appearances with the Blue Jays, as he simply is no longer the same power threat he had been.
Those injuries have bothered Tulowitzki this year as well. He had been sidelined since late July when he sprained his ankle while attempting to run out a ground ball. In August, he was officially moved to the 60 day disabled list, a formality to open up a roster spot. He will not take another at bat in Toronto this season.
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Considering his track record since going to Toronto, and his advancing age, it is highly unlikely that Tulowitzki will be a key piece for the Blue Jays going forward. He will be turning 33 this October, Presumably entering the end of his prime. However, given his 12 seasons in the majors, and his injury history, he is unlikely to return to form next season.
Add that lack of production and injury history to a Blue Jays team that struggled this season, and Tulowitzki cannot be counted on to be a part of the solution. In fact, at this point, it is probably best for both sides if the Blue Jays move on from Tulowitzki, and find a more permanent solution for shortstop.
Of course, there are issues with doing just that. He is owed another $54 Million over the next three seasons, not including his $15 Million option, or $4 Million buyout, for 2021. It may well be impossible to trade Tulowitzki at this point, even if the Blue jays eat the remainder of his contract, but he has already proven to be a sunk cost. It may be time to simply hand Tulowitzki his walking papers, even if that means paying him to play elsewhere.
The Blue Jays have designs on contending again in 2018. Despite the potential issues between the front office and Josh Donaldson, a trade seems unlikely. And Toronto is looking to add to the rotation, as they hope to make another run at the postseason next year. But Tulowitzki is not, at this point in his career, someone that can help bring the team to the postseason.
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It is time for the Toronto Blue Jays to move on from Troy Tulowitzki. He simply cannot be the player they need any longer.