New York Mets expect Tim Tebow to reach the majors

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - SEPTEMBER 20: Tim Tebow #15 of the New York Mets signs autographs after a work out at an instructional league day at Tradition Field on September 20, 2016 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - SEPTEMBER 20: Tim Tebow #15 of the New York Mets signs autographs after a work out at an instructional league day at Tradition Field on September 20, 2016 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

The New York Mets have officially ended the Tim Tebow Experiment. Now, they are setting expectations for the most famous minor leaguer on the planet.

When the New York Mets signed Tim Tebow after the 2016 campaign, one had to wonder what the end game was. He was an interesting experiment, although he had not played baseball in over a decade. Then, he stepped on the field, and was overwhelmed in the Arizona Fall League. His 2017 campaign showed some signs of progress, but he still did not look like a real prospect. His .226/.309/.347 batting line, with 24 doubles and eight homers across two levels, did not lead anyone to think that he would make a real impact.

However, as far as the Mets were concerned, his performance last year was a success. At this point, they consider the experiment over, and have now set expectations for Tebow moving forward. Those new expectations? That Tebow will play in the majors.

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These expectations echo the sentiments that Tebow shared, as he said that he expects to make his way to the majors. Of course, there is no one in the minors that would say they do not expect to reach the majors at some point, so that statement was fairly obvious. Yet, to hear the Mets themselves say that they expect to see Tebow in the majors is a bit of a head scratcher.

Of course, the statement that they expect Tebow in the majors does not mean they expect he will make an impact. He would certainly be a draw at the ticket booth, drawing fans to the ballpark should the Mets have a down season. Just look at his impact upon ticket sales at his minor league stops last year.

Right now, it is expected that Tebow will debut at the AA level in 2018. He is also going to get an extensive look in Spring Training, especially with the Mets lacking healthy outfielders. Should he impress during Grapefruit League action, and he makes a decent transition to Binghampton, that prediction could become true.

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The New York Mets now have the expectation that Tim Tebow will play in the majors. It is certainly a surprise, considering where Tebow is in his baseball odyssey.