Troy Tulowitzki considering asking Rockies for trade, per report

Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will meet with his agent on Thursday to discuss the possibility of requesting a trade, according to a report from Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Agent Paul Cohen confirmed the meeting to Sherman, noting that pressure could be building on the Rockies to move Tulowitzki sooner than later.

Rumors have swirled about Tulowitzki's availability for years, with the Cardinals, Yankees and Mets being among the most commonly linked teams as the Rockies have continued to struggle. Tulowitzki's status as the face of the franchise has led to the club being reluctant to make a move involving him, though a new regime led by new general manager Jeff Bridich may finally lead to a trade being made. Bridich declined comment when asked by SB Nation about the report Tuesday afternoon.

Tulowitzki, 30, has been excellent this season, hitting .307/.317/.495 with two homers despite the Rockies stumbling to an 11-17 record and losing their last nine games. He is under contract through the 2020 season at the price of roughly $110 million, meaning that a team with a big payroll would likely have to be the one to make a move. Sherman reports that the Yankees are not likely to trade for Tulowitzki, despite some early struggles from Didi Gregorius at the shortstop position.

If he decides to ask the Rockies for a trade, Tulowitzki would likely have control over where he would be sent due to his strong relationship with Bridich and team owner Dick Monfort, who has been vocal about the team's commitment to helping Tulowitzki and star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez do what is best for their careers. Tulo's decision this week will have a massive impact on the trade market, potentially accelerating its forces more than two months before the July 31 trade deadline.