Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki spoke to reporters prior to tonight's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers to clear the air regarding a report from Tuesday that resulted in various trade rumors.
Tulowitzki told the media he is not requesting a trade from the Rockies, according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. The 30-year-old's agent, Paul Cohen, spoke with Joel Sherman of the New York Post earlier in the week, which gave off the idea Tulo wanted out of Colorado as the team endures an 11-game losing streak.
"Whatever happens on the Rockies' end happens, but for me to sit here and try to force my way out of here, that's not the case," Tulowitzki said on Thursday.
"I think my relationship with the Rockies would have never wanted it to get to that point. It's not fair to my teammates. It's not fair for me to go out there every single day, try to play and help these guys win games, and say I demand a trade."
General manager Jeff Bridich declined to comment on the situation, even though he's made it clear the club is unlikely to deal Tulowitzki. He was open to listening to offers during the offseason, but nothing ever developed aside from trade rumors with the New York Mets. The two clubs - as well as sources - denied anything was ever close to happening.
But the report from Tuesday spurred a number of other teams to enter the latest trade rumors, including the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates, since they're all in need of a capable shortstop. However, even for a club in need, the market for Tulo is likely limited because he's owed $118 million through the 2020 season and he's already 30 years old. His lengthy injury history also isn't too reassuring.
Despite Tulowitzki's most recent comments, it's hard to think Bridich isn't considering such a move. The Rockies are already off to a bad start and are in desperate need of pitching. Colorado is reportedly exploring the market for starters, but it's difficult to make a big acquisition this early in the season.
Tulowitzki's earnings take up over 20% of the team's payroll this season and beyond, so if they keep losing there's not much of a reason for Colorado to retain him at such a high price.
As of right now it doesn't look like anything is expected to happen, but that may change as the trade deadline approaches.
