Tim Tebow Collects Contract Offer from Venezuelan Club
By Adam Piede
In the hours prior to his showcase on The University of Southern California campus, Tim Tebow’s fledgling baseball career was given a bit of credence by a well-respected Venezuelan League team.
Multiple media outlets are reporting that Tim Tebow has received an offer to play winter ball for the Venezuelan powerhouse club Aquilas del Zulia. It is being reported that Aguilas sent Tebow’s representatives at CAA a contract offer when the team begins play in November. While he clearly still prefers a contract with a major league franchise, Tebow now has a bit assurance knowing he can try his hand in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Tebow will likely end up playing winter ball at some point this offseason, and his destination should be finalized over the next few weeks. Should Tebow sign with a major league team, that organization will surely have their own designs on where he will begin his career. However, if no major leauge team comes calling for Tebow, he will have the opportunity to try his hand against big-league caliber players in Venezuela. Aguilas del Zuila has won the Venezuelan League five times, and has been crowned Caribbean Series champions twice.
Aguilas general manager Luis Amaro remarked on Tebow’s athletic prowess in stating, “He’s a great talent. He’s an athlete. He’s won the Heisman. He’s won two national championships. I know baseball is a hard game, but he’ll either adjust and show he’s ready to play pro ball or not. I think it’s low risk, high reward for Zulia.”
The Venezuelan League might be a tough place to start for Tebow as there is a high roster turnover throughout the season. Players are often given a week or two to prove their mettle before being shuttled off for higher caliber players. This winter might prove especially difficult for Tebow as Venezuela will be ramping up their preparations for the World Baseball Classic in early 2017.
On Tuesday, Tebow had a chance to show 40 major league scouts he was prepared to sign a contract with a major league franchise. His chiseled physique and power was on display as he sent several balls over the fence at Dedeaux Field. Rest assured professional scouts will look far beyond his power stroke to determine if he is worthy of a minor league roster spot. The best-case scenario for Tebow would be for him to be signed by a major league club so that he can begin training and preparing at a professional complex.
It might be a bit far-fetched to think Tebow could see minor league at-bats this year, but the intrigue of Tim Tebow is unwavering. One thing we do know is that one major sports apparel company is looking to capitalize on Tebow’s attempt at a baseball career. In the days leading up to his tryout, Adidas signed a multi-year deal with Tebow. While his skills on the baseball field is up for much debate, there is no denying the fact that Tebow’s star power is as big as ever.