Here's the headline: The New York Yankees reportedly are landing a five-time All-Star shortstop.
Here's the reality: New York needs left-side infield depth and is taking out a low-cost insurance policy.
The Yankees have agreed to a league-minimum contract with Troy Tulowitzki pending a physical, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Tuesday night. The Toronto Blue Jays, who surprisingly released Tulowitzki in early December, will pay the $20 million they owed him for 2019, per Passan.
Tulowitzki used to be one of MLB's best shortstops, but injuries and age have caught up to the 34-year-old, who missed the entire 2018 season due to bone spurs in his right ankle and hit just .249 in 66 games for the Blue Jays in 2017.
Tulowitzki is eyeing a comeback, however, and the Boston Red Sox were one of several teams at his workout earlier this winter.
The Red Sox have their starting shortstop in Xander Bogaerts, but the same can't be said for the Yankees, as Didi Gregorious likely is sidelined until at least June as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
As Passan added, Tulowitzki's signing doesn't take New York out of the Manny Machado sweepstakes. It simply needs a part-time Plan B at shortstop if Machado doesn't sign, and there are worse options than Tulowitzki at the league minimum.
Boston Red Sox
If the two-time Gold Glover can regain at least some of his old form, he could help the Yankees keep pace in a competitive American League East division until Gregorious returns.
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