Analyzing the Mets’ external options at shortstop

Troy Tulowitizki

Jul 19, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop

(2) prepares to bat in the on-deck circle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Man, it would be fun, wouldn’t it? I can’t think of another realistic trade scenario that would put the Mets on the map more than getting Tulo. It would have the potential to be like the Mike Piazza deal was in 1998. Or akin to the Keith Hernandez-type move in 1983. Nevertheless, I still think it’s a long-shot he’ll ever don the blue and orange. For one, his contract would be tough to swallow. Being that he will be 30 this coming season, the Mets would have to shell out at least $104 million over five years, or up to $119 million over six, depending on the team option. Then, they would certainly have to give up the likes of Noah Syndergaard or Zack Wheeler, plus some. Then, and this the big issue, you are putting your faith in a player that has been chronically injured and may not average 115 games per season over the rest of his contract. Can you live with that type of risk if you’re Sandy Alderson?

A Tulowitzki deal would be franchise-altering, whether for the good or the bad.

As far as Tulowitzki the player, he’s a perennial All-Star and one of the best hitting shortstops ever to play the game (.299/.373/.517 in 961 career games), as well as one of the more talented defensive shortstops we’ve ever seen.

His defensive stats have not begun to regress (he had a 4.5 UZR/150 in 91 games), though you would have to guess they will sooner than later. Still, a guy with Tulowitzki’s type of arm strength will more than make up for a loss in range.

With all this in mind, Troy Tulowitzki is the guy I would most want to see as the everyday shortstop of the New York Mets. He would bring a buzz to Flushing that hasn’t been there since the late 90’s or mid 2000’s. He would make the Mets a title-contender from day one and, though his health and contract would be a risk, I believe it would be a risk worth taking, considering the pitching depth we have in our system.

Matt Harvey, David Wright, and Troy Tulowitzki? Sign me up.