Chicago Cubs: Troy Tulowitzki a better fit than Addison Russell

So far, this offseason has been filled with turmoil, drama and controversy for the Chicago Cubs. Can we just get back to baseball with a move that makes sense?

At this point, the only thing we haven’t seen when it comes to the Chicago Cubs this winter is a major acquisition. We have, however, seen the well-documented Addison Russell situation take center stage, reports of an apparent lack of funds and management seeming to be at odds. In short, the Cubs have a lot to address.

But maybe, just maybe, that’s about to change. According to reports, the team was in attendance at veteran Troy Tulowitzki’s recent workout. Given the drama and off-field issues surrounding Russell and the need of a veteran presence in the clubhouse, this could be a big ‘get’ for Chicago.

Tulowitzki first made an impact in a Rockies uniform in 2007, helping Colorado make a magical run to the World Series where they were promptly swept in four games.

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In 2015, he was traded in a stunning deal that happened the same night his team gave up a walk-off home run to Kris Bryant. Tulo was informed of the deal during the middle of the ninth inning and was furious over how the situation was handled.

His tenure with Toronto was forgettable, to say the least. Not only did he post the worst offensive numbers of his career by far, but he managed to play just 66 games in 2017 and missed all of 2018 with a bone spur. This led to his release this winter and the Jays deciding to eat north of $34 million to get him off the roster.

He recently held a workout for teams, and the Cubs were there. The veteran can play shortstop, hit for power, has postseason experience and brings a veteran presence into the clubhouse.

Addison Russell only checks two of those boxes, and he quite frankly is past due for his time with the Cubs. Even with the budget constraints, the Cubs’ brass has preached about adding a veteran leader, something they felt like the team was missing this past season.

Over the course of his career, Tulowitzki has posted 44.1 WAR, earning five All-Star nods, racking up two Gold Gloves and cranking 224 home runs.

As more details emerge about the Russell case, there becomes a less convincing case of any reason to keep him in the Cubs organization. Maybe Chicago is going to let Russell play and maybe they are shopping him to other teams behind the scenes.

Tulowitzki may not have much left offensively, but now that he is fully healed, who knows how he will rebound. He can still provide good defense off the bench and be a mentor for young players, and that is exactly what the Cubs are looking for.