Troy Tulowitzki Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding Rockies Star

If the Colorado Rockies are going to trade star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in 2015, it doesn't seem like a deal will happen before the regular season starts.     

That's the word from Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich, who spoke to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports:

Rumors of a Tulowitzki deal, or at least talks, have persisted over the last year. One potential landing spot that keeps coming up is with the New York Mets, who are flush with pitching prospects that could appeal to Colorado as well as their desperate need for a shortstop. 

Joel Sherman of the New York Post spoke to an American League West executive in December about the possibility of a Tulo-to-New York deal.

"I don't think they have the financial flexibility to pay for him even if they could get him," the executive said. "I think they're laying in the weeds waiting for hopeful January free-agent bargains."

There's no doubt that Tulowitzki is a difference-making player when healthy. He was on his way to an MVP award last year with a .340/.432/.603 slash line but didn't play after July 19 due to an injury. It was the third straight year he's failed to play at least 130 games. 

For a player with that kind of injury history who is 30 years old and signed through 2020, Tulowitzki isn't reliable. Colorado should ask for the moon in any discussions because there aren't shortstops with his offensive and defensive capabilities, but he's still owed a ton of money and isn't likely to get healthier with age.