New York Mets: Tim Tebow expected to continue MLB quest

PORTLAND, ME - MAY 13: Tim Tebow #15 of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies waits for a pitch in a game between the Portland Sea Dogs and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Hadlock Field on May 13, 2018 in Portland, Maine. (Photo by Zachary Roy/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, ME - MAY 13: Tim Tebow #15 of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies waits for a pitch in a game between the Portland Sea Dogs and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Hadlock Field on May 13, 2018 in Portland, Maine. (Photo by Zachary Roy/Getty Images)

The New York Mets are expecting Tim Tebow to return to the organization in 2019, as he continues to try to work his way to the majors.

As far as the New York Mets are concerned, Tim Tebow Mania will be continuing in their minor league system.

According to assistant general manager John Ricco, the Mets are anticipating Tebow’s return to the organization for his third year of professional baseball in 2019. At this point, he is expected to start the 2019 campaign in Syracuse, with this AAA stop just one level away from potentially patrolling the Mets outfield at some point in the near future.

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While there are questions as to exactly how much of a prospect Tebow is, one cannot question the marked improvement he displayed at AA in 2018. Before his season ended prematurely due to a broken hamate bone, Tebow had posted a respectable .273/.336/.399 batting line, hitting six homers and 14 doubles.

As surprising as the batting line may be, there were underlying problems. Over his 298 plate appearances, Tebow only had 22 walks and struck out 103 times. Yes, he made better contact when he actually hit the ball, but his ability to make consistent contact needs to improve.

Nonetheless, Tebow’s expected jump to Syracuse will be fascinating to watch. If he is able to hold his own at the AAA level, especially if he begins to go on a run similar to how he ended the 2018 campaign, there may be calls to bring the fan favorite to Citi Field. The Mets are expecting to contend next season, but if 2019 proves to be another lost year, Tebow may find himself at the major league level, especially if he continues to show improvement.

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The New York Mets expect Tim Tebow to continue in their system in 2019. If he performs well at AAA, his major league debut may not be that far in the distance.