Report: Red Sox have 'legitimate' interest in Tulowitzki

Troy Tulowitzki may get a shot to continue his career with the reigning world champions.

The Boston Red Sox, who were one of 11 teams on hand to watch Tulowitzki work out on Monday, have "legitimate" interest in the five-time All-Star shortstop, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

Where he'd fit on Boston's roster remains a question mark. Shortstop is currently occupied at Fenway Park by Xander Bogaerts, and though Tulowitzki has recently expressed a willingness to move off his natural position - something he's never done as a professional - the prospect of finding another infield position in Boston isn't great. Fellow veteran Dustin Pedroia is poised to return to active duty at second base in 2019 assuming his health holds up, while third base remains filled by youngster Rafael Devers.

The Red Sox could work out a trade to open a spot for Tulowitzki if they were impressed enough to sign him. Boston was hit with a historic luxury-tax penalty this year and was reportedly open to listening to trade proposals for some veterans - including Bogaerts, a free agent next winter - during the winter meetings in order to reduce payroll. President Dave Dombrowski has since downplayed the notion that any of his big-league pieces will be moved.

Tulowitzki is owed $38 million over the next three seasons (including a $4-million buyout in 2021), and the majority of that money will be paid by the Toronto Blue Jays after they released him last week. Any team that signs Tulowitzki would only be responsible for paying the major-league minimum salary.

The 34-year-old hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in July 2017. He missed all of last year because of bone spurs in both of his heels.

Last week, Tulowitzki's agent said his client had six teams courting him. The Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and San Francisco Giants are among the other clubs thought to have the most interest.