NEW YORK _ It's official: Troy Tulowitzki is a Yankee.
The team announced Friday that they signed the veteran shortstop to a one-year deal. The deal reportedly is worth the league minimum.
Tulowitzki was cut by the Blue Jays _ who must pay the remaining $38 million on the 34-year-olds's contract _ on Dec. 11 after missing the entire 2018 season with bone spurs in both heels.
Tulowitzki, a five-time All-Star with the Rockies, hit .249 with seven home runs, 26 RBIs and 10 doubles in 66 games with the Blue Jays in 2017. He has a career .290/.361/.495 slash line with 224 home runs, 779 RBIs and 761 runs scored in 1,286 games. In addition, his .985 fielding percentage is the second-highest in baseball history among shortstops (minimum 650 games).
Shortstop Didi Gregorius had Tommy John surgery in October and said last month that while his right elbow feels "really good," he is not sure when he will be able to return. Free-agent shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado visited with the Yankees on Dec. 19, spending 90 minutes meeting with general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone at Yankee Stadium. Machado, who has also visited with the White Sox and Phillies as part of his free agency tour, has yet to announce which team he will play for.
The Yankees designated right-hander A.J. Cole for assignment to make room for Tulowitzki on the roster.
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