Throughout the offseason, we will take a look at the hottest news and rumors.
THE RUMOR: Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich says it's "highly, highly unlikely" either Troy Tulowitzki or Carlos Gonzalez will be dealt before opening day.
REPORTED BY: Fox Sports
THE DETAILS: The Rockies' front office reiterated last month that Tulowitzki will not be traded despite being due $114 million through 2020, a lofty price tag considering four-time All-Star has missed 222 games over the past three seasons. On the other hand, Gonzalez's future with the Rockies was more of a mystery. After an initial report that the Rockies were keeping their "eyes and ears open" on trade offers for the 2010 NL batting champion, nothing has emerged.
LAST SEASON: Tulowitzki hit 21 home runs and posted a .340 batting average and 1.035 OPS in 91 games last season before he was felled by a hip injury that required surgery. Although often dogged by injuries, the 30-year-old is batting .299/.373/.517 in his career. Also battling injuries, Gonzalez had an anomaly of a season in which he batted .238/.292/.431 with 11 homers over just 70 games concluding with left patella tendon surgery in August.
SN'S TAKE: Tulowitzki is owed $114 million over the next six seasons, plus a $15 million club option or $4 million buyout for 2021, while Gonzalez, 29, is owed $53 million over the next three seasons. Despite the difference in salary, their career numbers aren't too far apart; .299/.373.517 for Tulo, 294/.351/.520 for Gonzalez. The question is not about production but rather if the duo can stay healthy. Tulowitzki averaged 88 games the past three seasons and Gonzalez has averaged 90 the past two seasons. If the Rockies want to rebuild in the future, they would receive the most return and budget space with Tulo. Pitching has always been the issue in the thin air of the Rocky Mountains, but if the perfect suitor with young arms comes along, expect to see Tulo and/or CarGo to be shipped sooner rather than later.