Tulo: $31 in 2017 and a 2018 5th rounder to Haddy
Triston Mckenzie (Prospect) to Long Ball
Hustle’s Take: I think this is a very reasonable trade for both teams, but I like what LongBall did here. He has Xander Boegarts averaging nearly 7 points a game with Jose Reyes as a backup, so where exactly does Tulo play? If it’s the old Tulo, he’s easily a UTIL or even the main SS for the team, but that ship has seemingly sailed. I think Tulo eventually gets healthy and puts together some productive stretches, but who knows if that’s even this year. At 33 bucks, he’s not a keeper unless he finishes the season quite strong. Trading him just as he comes off the DL for a t100 prospect could be a strong move. When your team is doing well and you can make your team better in the future without sacrificing much for the present, I like it.
Triston Mckenzie has gotten a lot of buzz, but is still in Single A. He’s a lottery ticket like any other upside A ball pitcher, but he does seem like one of the better ones. Haddy’s farm takes a hit here, but if Tulo can stay healthy and be productive at one of the most shallow positions in the league, it’s a good get for him.
Andrew’s Take: I love this for Haddy. McKenzie is a fun prospect to dream on, but he’s basically forever away. By the time he debuts, Haddy can churn a handful of different prospects through that minor league spot and maybe a few will hit.
I know Tulo’s star as dimmed since he left Colorado, but he’s still a solid starting-caliber shortstop. Of course, he’s always hurt. He’s been hurt most of this season. Still, if you’re going to define Tulo as some kind of risk, I would argue that a 19-year-old pitcher’s risk is far, far greater.
Having said all that, after looking at Long Ball’s roster, I see a team in a spot similar to where I am. He just doesn’t really have cuttable players on his major league roster. So, he’s in a spot where he’s either got to cut someone decent and get nothing for that player, or sell someone for less than might be ideal to make room.