The New York Yankees signed Troy Tulowitzki to a one-year deal
The New York Yankees are going to be without Didi Gregorius for most of the 2019 season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. While everyone is waiting on the Manny Machado to sign, it appears the New York Yankees may have found their veteran stopgap at the position while Didi recovers, and it’s a former All-Star in his own right.
Free agent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is in agreement on a deal with the New York Yankees pending a physical, league sources tell ESPN. Tulowitzki is expected to join the Yankees on a league-minimum deal, with the Toronto Blue Jays paying the remainder of his $20 million salary.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 2, 2019
Troy Tulowitzki is expected to play shortstop for the Yankees while Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John surgery. Important: This does not take the Yankees out of the Manny Machado sweepstakes, sources tell ESPN. Tulowitzki at the minimum salary was simply too good to pass up.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 2, 2019
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I spoke about why
in this space earlier this off-season and this deal makes all the sense in the world for the New York Yankees. A one-year deal at the minimum is very easy to get out of Tulowitzki doesn’t show he’s recovered from his injuries. If he comes into spring training and can’t hit, you cut him and move on.
If he proves he can still hit, even when Gregorius comes back, Tulowitzki can give the New York Yankees depth and even get some at-bats at DH for them.
As Passan said, Tulowitzki on a minimum contract was too good to pass up for the New York Yankees. This may not be the only move the club makes on their infield this week, but it is one that could pay dividends throughout the 2019 season.