The Toronto Blue Jays have released Troy Tulowitzki, making the 34-year-old short stop a free agent.
The Toronto Blue Jays today announce the release of SS Troy Tulowitzki.
— Blue Jays PR (@BlueJaysPR) December 11, 2018
Tulowitzki joined the Blue Jays during the 2015 season, immediately sparking the best two-year run the franchise has seen since their World Series days in the early 1990s. He hasn’t played a game since July 28, 2017, missing the entirety of last season due to bone spurs in both of his heels.
Tulowitzki scoffed at the suggestion that he wouldn’t be Toronto’s everyday shortstop going forward last August.
āIf someoneās better than me, Iāll pack my bags and go home,ā he told reporters at the time.
Problem is, at his age and with his injury history, Tulowitzki isn’t a fit for the rebuilding Blue Jays anymore.
Ross Atkins: āThrough many conversations with Troy and his representative Paul Cohen, and with consideration to what is in the best interest of both sides, we made the decision to release Troy today.ā #BlueJays
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 11, 2018
Tulowitzki still has two years left on his contract, meaning the Blue Jays are paying him $38 million to go away.
One of the most popular players from Toronto’s back-to-back postseason teams in 2015 and 2016, Tulowitzki is just the latest big name to leave town.
šš-ššš-ššššĀ 2-LO!
The ultimate professional. pic.twitter.com/E0uqFUqokP
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 11, 2018
Josh Donaldson was traded to Cleveland in August, while Jose Bautista played his last game with the Blue Jays at the end of the 2017 season. Edwin Encarnacion left as a free agent in December of 2016.
Russell Martin could be next, as the Blue Jays are said to be talking about trading the 35-year-old Canadian catcher. Pitchers Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez could also be on the move, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan.