Troy Tulowitzki Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation Surrounding Rockies SS

Troy Tulowitzki is one of baseball's most talented infielders. Yet with the shortstop locked into a massive contract for several more years and injury issues plaguing him in recent seasons, the Colorado Rockies are reportedly shopping him around the league. The Yankees, Red Sox and Mets are among marquee teams recently linked to Tulowitzki.

Continue for updates.

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"Major Gap" in Negotiations Between Mets and Rockies, Yankees Checking In

Monday, Dec. 22

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported the disruption in discussions between the Mets and Rockies, while also providing an update on the Yankees' interest in Tulowitzki:

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The Mets maintain interest in Rockies star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, but it's clear there's a major gap to bridge in negotiations between the teams, with differences in ideas of player compensation and financial considerations, as well.

Meantime, a couple other teams -- including the rival Yankees -- are said to have checked in recently on Tulowitzki in the wake of the report here late last week that talks between the Mets and Rockies were ongoing.

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One person familiar with the talks suggested Colorado may not agree to a deal unless it feels the return is to too good to turn down.

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Heyman also explained that it is not a guarantee Tulowitzki is traded this offseason:

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The Mets could still be the best hope for Tulo trade considering a natural match between those two teams in terms of player compensation, but several major hurdles remain even beyond the existing gap in negotiations. While new Rockies GM Jeff Bridich has been clear from the start of winter they're listening on their two big positional stars -- Tulo and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez -- it remains unclear how committed the Rockies-owning Monfort brothers are to trading the beloved Tulo and how willing Tulowitzki is to consider teams beyond his preferred Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, Angels, Cardinals and one or two others.

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It is understandable the Rockies would be torn on trading away one of its marquee talents. The team finished the 2014 season with a 66-96 record and fourth place in the NL West. The Dodgers, Giants and Padres have all made significant moves this offseason, so the Rockies might feel pressured to either trade Tulowitzki away or publicly reassure their commitment to him.

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Mets, Red Sox, Yankees Among Marquee Teams Linked to Tulowitzki

Friday, Dec. 19

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported the New York Mets remain the team most heavily linked to the 30-year-old star. He notes, however, it doesn't appear an agreement is imminent:

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Prized Mets pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard is said to be the centerpiece of discussions revolving around a potential package of young players in a possible deal for Tulo, though it seems like there is still quite a ways to go to have a chance to complete such a monster trade.

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The report also includes other teams that have shown interest in Tulowitzki at some point in 2014:

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It isn't known how many other teams could be involved with Tulowitzki at this time, though the Mariners are known to be one of several to have checked in at some point this winter, and at least the Red Sox, Cardinals and Yankees have expressed at least some interest at some point over the past calendar year.

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Troy Renck of The Denver Post reported no trade is in place:

Andy Martino of the New York Daily News was told just last week there was nothing substantial to the talks:

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York checked in after the latest rumors surfaced, and a source told him there was no better than a 5 percent chance of a deal:

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No talks are believed to have been overly recent. And an insider said the Mets fans clamoring for a Tulo acquisition would go "bat s---" if they knew the package the Rockies wanted for Tulowitzki.

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Last season was a perfect example of what Tulowitzki brings to the table. When healthy, he was outstanding, with a .340 average, 21 home runs and a 1.035 OPS. But he played in only 91 games. He's appeared in more than 140 contests just once over the past five years.

Still, ESPN Stats and Info noted he was one of the best shortstops in the game last season, despite the high number of games missed:

As for the Rockies' stance, they aren't giving out too much information. During a recent appearance on MLB Network Radio, manager Walt Weiss said they are always listening to offers but weren't actively trying to move the slugger:

Tulowitzki is an extraordinary talent. Even if another team paid what sounds like a high price to acquire him, he would prove worth the investment if he could stay healthy. That's something that has proved to be elusive over the past handful of years, though.