New York Mets: Tim Tebow having a rough time in AAA
The Tim Tebow train is grinding to a halt in AAA this season for the New York Mets.
Earlier this offseason, New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen stated that there was a chance that Tim Tebow could see time at the major league level. Although he had an outside chance at cracking the Opening Day roster, it was more likely that Tebow would make that major league debut during the season.
Of course, that was contingent on Tebow performing well at the AAA level. As he showed progress last year at AA before breaking a hamate bone in his hand, that ascension seemed likely to happen by September at the latest. And, if the Mets were tumbling in the standings, Tebow could have found his way to the majors even earlier as a way to keep the fans coming to the ballpark.
However, in order for that to happen, Tebow would need to show that he was worth a roster spot. Thus far, that has not happened, as he has posted a .157/.216/.231 batting line heading into action on Monday.
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Tebow’s batting line is certainly bed enough, but his other statistics amplify his struggles. He has just six extra base hits in his 117 plate appearances, with five doubles and a home run. Tebow has walked eight times, while being set down on strikes 43 times. That is not the type of production that will eventually lead to a shot at the majors.
While AA is considered to be a proving ground for prospects, AAA is far closer to major league play. It is a game where the adjustments are far more mental, where sequencing and preparation mean everything. For a player like Tebow, who had gone so long without playing baseball, the AAA level could be overwhelming.
That is not to say that he will not find success. It was easy to write Tebow off early in his professional baseball journey, especially as he struggled in A-ball in 2017. Yet, through hard work and perseverance, he was able to actually make himself an intriguing option last season before his injury. Perhaps, in time, he will begin to show that capability once again.
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At the beginning of the year, it was possible that Tim Tebow would find his way to the majors with the New York Mets. Based on his performance at AAA, that feels like a long time ago.