As they did when Patrick Corbin opted for the Nationals instead of the Yankees whom he grew up a big fan of, the Yankees aren’t in a position to be left naked at shortstop if Manny Machado doesn’t land in the Bronx.
The Yankees have been in touch with free agent Freddy Galvis and are intrigued by former All-Star Troy Tulowitzki, who also is a free agent.
Neither Galvis nor Tulowitzki is anywhere near the offensive player Machado is, but the Yankees are not eager to lay out $300 million and 10 years, which is where the market could go for the 26-year-old infielder being shopped as a shortstop but who is better at third base.
The oft-injured Tulowitzki became a free agent last week during the winter meetings, when the Blue Jays released the 34-year-old from the final two years of his contract despite owing him $38 million.
Tulowitzki, who wore No. 2 with the Rockies because he was a Derek Jeter fan, has played in 325 games in the past five seasons and none a year ago due to heel problems. In 2017, he was limited to 66 games due to an ankle injury that ended his season in late July. The most games Tulowitzki played for the Blue Jays was 131 in 2016.
The Yankees’ passion for a much younger Tulowitzki was on display in 2010, when, according to a Sports Illustrated story, general manager Brian Cashman and Jeter were discussing a contract.
“Who would you rather have him playing shortstop this year than me?” Jeter asked Cashman.
“Do you really want me to answer that?” Cashman replied. Jeter told him to go ahead, and he listed Tulowitzki, then the Rockies’ shortstop.
“We’re not paying extra money for popularity,” he added, “we’re paying for performance.”
The Yankees had scout JT Stotts watch Tulowitzki’s workout Wednesday at Long Beach State, where Tulowitzki, according to people in attendance, moved well defensively and shelved the closed stance he was working on in the cage during last spring training.
According to former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons, Tulowitzki’s offense slipped after he joined the Blue Jays in 2015 and has never returned to the level that made him an All-Star. However, even though Tulowitzki hasn’t played in a big league game since late July 2017, Gibbons said the defensive prowess that led to two Gold Glove awards remains intact.
“I think he can still play defense,’’ Gibbons told The Post. “Offensively it has gone downhill.”
After joining the Blue Jays in 2015, Tulowitzki hit .250 with 36 homers and 122 RBIs in 238 games. His best year with Toronto was 2016, when Tulowitzki batted 254 with 24 homers and 79 RBIs.
Since any club signing Tulowitzki will be on the hook for only the major league minimum and because of his pedigree, he is an intriguing option and a low risk. He is interesting for the Yankees because they could use Tulowitzki at short until Didi Gregorius returns from Tommy John surgery on his right (throwing) elbow. Cashman said last week Gregorius’ return could be “June, July or August.”
Galvis, a 29-year-old switch-hitter, has drawn interest from multiple teams who like his versatility and reputation as a good guy to have in the clubhouse. In 162 games for the Padres last year, Galvis hit .248 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs, so he brings pop that could help make up for Gregorius, who hit a career-high 27 homers last year and has 72 in the past three seasons.