CHICAGO — The Rockies’ trade of Troy Tulowitzki to the Toronto Blue Jays hit Nolan Arenado like a fastball to the ribs.

On Tuesday, the Rockies’ all-star third baseman was still trying to come to grips with the trade that came together late Monday night and what it means for the franchise. Arenado also said he thinks all-star right fielder Carlos Gonzalez will be the next player to be traded.

“I was shocked, we all were, by Tulo getting traded,” Arenado said. “I’m hurt. Tulo’s been the one guy who has been by my side ever since I was in (Single-A) Asheville. It’s disappointing. That is not the guy I wanted to see go.”

Manager Walt Weiss was just as surprised.

“Our heads are still spinning a little bit. It’s a big deal when the franchise player gets traded. I think we are all in a bit of shock last night. It was tough. We have a pretty special connection. I played the same position and have gone through the same grind that he has. So that has always been a pretty special connection for us. It was difficult.”

The deal with Toronto also included relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, the 42-year-old right-hander who is in the final season of his career. In return, the Rockies got veteran shortstop Jose Reyes, as well as right-handed pitching prospects Miguel Castro, Jeff Hoffman and Jesus Tinoco.

“I don’t know any of these dudes we got,” Arenado said. “But I think if we were going to trade Tulo, I would think it would be for an ace, an established veteran pitcher. Obviously we are starting to rebuild from the ground up.”

At a news conference in Denver on Tuesday, general manager Jeff Bridich was vague in regard to whether the Rockies would trade Gonzalez, using his oft-repeated phrase that the Rockies’ “eyes and ears are open.”

However, Arenado believes Gonzalez will be the next star moved.

“I do think he will be gone, and I’ll be disappointed in that also,” Arenado said.

Gonzalez, who also expressed shock at the trade, said he is prepared for whatever happens.

“Nobody thought Tulo was going to leave this club, and so now that he’s gone, anything can be possible,” Gonzalez said. “Whatever it is, I’m ready for the challenge. I will be ready to play ball. I’m ready to play ball, I’m ready to play for the Rockies. Whatever happens in the next few hours, or days, or years, I’m ready.”

Gonzalez and Arenado were with Tulowitzki in the visitors’ clubhouse at Wrigley Field when word of the trade came down after the Rockies lost, 9-8, to the Cubs Monday night.

“It really caught him off guard,” Arenado said.

Arenado, who is Tulowitzki’s closest friend on the Rockies, said the team, and the Rockies’ fans, are going to miss his drive to win.

“He’s all about winning,” Arenado said. “I think, the way Tulo is, that some people, some fans, think that he’s trying to be mean when he doesn’t sign autographs all the time. He’s not trying to be mean or negative, he’s just so focused on winning.

“I think that was good for this team, and I think it’s something we are going to miss.”

Gold Glove second baseman DJ LeMahieu, who teamed with Tulowitzki to form one of baseball best middle-infield tandems, did not hide his surprise.

“I was shocked much like everybody else. Disappointed,” he said. “It still kind of tough to get my mind around it. We knew somebody might get dealt, but nobody expected this.”

LeMahieu said he believes a change of environment will be good for Tulowitzki.

“I think playing in that offense in Toronto is going to help him out a lot,” he said. “Being back in a playoff race, I think he’s going to play even better, and he’s been playing great.”

Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or twitter.com/psaundersdp