MLB Rumors: Mets to sign Tim Tebow to minor-league pact

The New York Mets are reportedly going to sign Tim Tebow to a minor league contract.

Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow has given up on his football career, his high point fated to forever be his beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs while helming the Denver Broncos. However, Tebow’s professional sports career might not be over quite yet. According to Adam Schefter, the New York Mets will sign the former Florida Gators quarterback to a minor-league deal.

The Atlanta Braves were also huge players for Tebow, but in the end, it appears Tebow has chosen to go to the Mets. Tebow will not report to the major league team right away. Instead, he will report to Instructional League or Arizona Fall League, the latter of which is set to begin shortly and is reserved for minor league players.

Tebow has not played competitive baseball since high school, but he is still an intriguing prospect. He was impressive during his showcase event, where he hit well against David Aardsma, a former Major League pitcher who is trying to make a comeback himself.

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The former Heisman Trophy winner also impressed in the field during his workout, handling the outfield with pluck and poise and proving he can throw a baseball pretty darn well (or better than he can throw a football, anyway).

Tebow will likely train with the Mets to be a corner outfielder, since he didn’t look comfortable as a center fielder during his workout.

This is a fairly low-risk, high-reward move for the Mets. They won’t be committing much money to Tebow. If he fails, the Mets will not have to pay him more than a couple hundred thousand dollars at most. However, if he pans out, the Mets will have a better outfield and sure won’t have trouble selling seats.

Tebow last played in the Big Apple as a member of the New York Jets.