MLB Hot Stove: How Close Are New York Mets To Adding Troy Tulowitzki From Colorado Rockies?

Ever since April 2011, when Troy Tulowitzki spent four games pulverizing the New York Mets at Citi Field, making diving catches and blasting home runs over the previously unreachable fences, Mets fans have salivated for the power-hitting shortstop. Now that the Colorado Rockies have put Tulowitzki officially on the trading block, that salivation has turned into a ravenous drool. Throw in the fact that the Mets's starting shortstop hit .237 last season while Tulowitzki owns a career .299/.373/.603 slash line and ... you get it. They want him bad.

But can they get him?

The Rockies will ultimately want a huge return for Tulowitzki, who is perennially considered one of the National League's top three position players despite a career filled with injuries. He's a four-time All-Star who batted .340 in 91 games last season before his season was cut short yet again.

That's production that just doesn't exist from anyone else at the shortstop position. On top of that, Tulowitzki provides excellent defense at the position, too. A player of his caliber will warrant a giant return. CBS Sports reports that the two sides aren't close on player compensation, although the teams have been discussing Mets pitchers Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard, both power arms New York may not be willing to part with.

There is also the question of Tulowitzki's contract, which could be too much for the Mets to take on, given their currently strapped position cash-wise. The New York Post suggested the only way for New York to get Tulowitzki was if the Rockies ate a significant portion of the $118 million left on his deal. Tulowitzki is signed through 2020.

The Rockies placed last in baseball in team ERA in 2014, so they are looking for arms. The Mets have another option at shortstop: 23-year-old Wilmer Flores. Flores hit .292 over seven minor league seasons, but there are concerns over his defensive ability.