Mets GM: Tebow signing 'was strictly driven by baseball'

New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson appreciates the novelty of the situation, but is adamant the organization signed former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow with the intention of having him reach the majors.

"While I and the organization, I think, are mindful of the novel nature of this situation, this decision was strictly driven by baseball," Alderson told reporters Thursday. "This was not something that was driven by marketing considerations or anything of the sort.

"We are extremely intrigued with the potential that Tim has. He has demonstrated over his athletic career that he is a tremendous athlete, has got character, a competitive spirit. Aside from the age, this is a classic player-development opportunity for us."

The two sides agreed to a minor-league deal Thursday after the Mets - along with 27 other clubs - attended Tebow's showcase in California last week.

The plan is to send Tebow to Florida's Instructional League on Sept. 18 to begin working on his baseball career as an outfielder.

"He has demonstrated more than rudimentary baseball skills," Alderson said. "We think he can be a baseball player."

Tebow last played baseball in high school in 2005, where he hit .448 with four home runs and was named All-First Coast by The Florida Times-Union. He was forced to give up the sport in order to play football for the University of Florida, where he'd go on to win two National Championships.

The former Heisman Trophy winner expressed gratitude toward the Mets for giving him an opportunity to pursue his dream and said he looks forward to the challenge.

"I know it's a tough game but I'm looking forward to putting in the work," Tebow said. "With great coaches, I feel like I'm just going to improve."

He added: "It's something that I do not take for granted."

While Tebow is committed to a career in baseball, he'll continue to honor a prior commitment with the SEC Network. Alderson doesn't believe his TV work will be an issue.

"This is not going to be a significant impediment," Alderson said.