If this is the year the Colorado Rockies finally trade shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, the San Diego Padres might well jump at the opportunity.

Tulowitzki and his agent, Paul Cohen, plan to meet Thursday to discuss whether the time has come to ask the Rockies for a trade, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

“To say that it is not a possibility would be silly,” Cohen told the Post.

The Padres, built last winter to win this summer, entered play Tuesday tied for a wild-card spot. They added a new outfield -- Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers -- and star pitchers James Shields and Craig Kimbrel.


Although they rank second in the National League in runs -- trailing only the Dodgers -- their shortstops are batting .200. Alexi Amarista, a utility player who has drawn most of the starts at shortstop, is batting .183.

The Rockies might not relish the thought of trading Tulowitzki within the NL West, but trade partners might be limited for a 30-year-old with $118 million left on his contract through 2020. The four-time All-Star is batting .307 with two home runs in 28 games. His .812 OPS -- his lowest such figure since 2008 -- remains elite among shortstops.

The Rockies’ ownership considers Tulowitzki a franchise player and favorite son; there is no guarantee the team would trade Tulowitzki even if he asks.

Follow Bill Shaikin on Twitter @BillShaikin