Agent: Tulowitzki willing to change positions for next team

Troy Tulowitzki might be willing to move off shortstop after all.

Shortly after the Toronto Blue Jays announced they'd released Tulowitzki, the five-time All-Star's agent, Paul Cohen, told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle his client would be willing to change positions on a new team.

This marks a stark contrast to Tulowitzki's words over the last few years in Toronto. The 34-year-old has never played anywhere but shortstop as a professional and has openly bristled at the possibility of moving off his natural position in the past.

"I'm a shortstop," Tulowitzki said in August. "If someone's better than me, I'll pack my bags and go home."

Cohen told Slusser that Tulowitzki not only wants to join a winning team but also that the Bay Area native would love to come home and play for one of the two local teams. the San Francisco Giants appear to be entering a rebuilding phase but the Oakland Athletics are coming off a surprise playoff berth and have an immediate need at second base as free agent Jed Lowrie is not expected to return.

The oft-injured Tulowitzki hasn't appeared in a game since July 2017 and missed all of last season due to bone spurs in his heels. He's working out at his alma mater of Long Beach State University, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, and Cohen claims his client is in excellent health.

The Blue Jays are now responsible for all of the $38 million left on Tulowitzki's deal over the next two seasons, save for the veteran's minimum if he signs elsewhere.