Around the Empire: Yankees news - 1/5/19

SNY | Andy Martino: The Yankees officially signed Troy Tulowitzki yesterday. As It turns out, the demand for Tulo was higher than you might have originally thought. Apparently 16 teams showed real interest in the shortstop after a free agent showcase in December, including the Cubs who are looking for a stopgap replacement during Addison Russell’s suspension. The degree of interest makes you wonder what the Yankees promised Tulowitzki to get him to come to the Bronx. We’re discussing Brian Cashman’s comments later, but you can get a preview here.

New York Daily News | Wallace Matthews: With David Robertson on his way to Philadelphia, the main choice for the Yankees bullpen is down to Adam Ottavino or Zach Britton. The Bombers’ relative familiarity with Britton should give them an inside track if they’re willing to pay, and there are a bunch of good reasons to chase Ottavino. There are also dumb reasons NOT to, and you can see some here which are dumb.

CBS | Katherine Acquavella: After making an initial offer for 10 years and $300 million early in the offseason, the Washington Nationals have reportedly upped their offer to their former All-Star, perhaps indicating the start of a very real bidding war for the outfielder. The White Sox seem ready to spend as well, and the possibility of a bidding war will probably force the Yankees even farther out of the pursuit for Harper.