11:42pm: Jose Reyes is heading to Colorado in the deal, along with minor league pieces, Rosenthal tweets. That answers the question of where Tulo will play in Toronto, of course, as he’ll slot in at his usual shortstop position.
As Rosenthal adds on Twitter, Tulowitzki will pick up a $2MM assignment bonus and a full no-trade clause by virtue of being dealt.
11:32pm: The Blue Jays have struck a deal to acquire star Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports on Twitter. Needless to say, the move constitutes one of the most stunning deadline deals in recent memory.
Tulowitzki, 30, has long been one of the game’s best overall players. And he is as closely associated with his franchise as any other. There has been near-constant speculation as to whether Colorado owner Dick Monfort would consider parting with his club’s superstar, but it appears that a series of disappointing seasons has finally brought matters to a resolution.
The transaction is just as shocking from the Jays’ perspective. Toronto has struggled with pitching all year, but has a highly productive lineup. It is already paying Jose Reyes big money to play shortstop, while Devon Travis has been a revelation at second. Josh Donaldson rates as the game’s best third baseman, while Edwin Encarnacion has split time between first base and the DH slot.