New York Mets offer Tim Tebow a minor league BASEBALL contract

BILL STREICHER/USA TODAY SPORTS

Tim Tebow throws during warm ups before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field. At the time, Tebow was in a brief relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles. He now has his eyes set on a baseball career.

NEW YORK (Christian Examiner) –Tim Tebow, the Heisman Trophy winning University of Florida quarterback who failed to find his niche in the NFL, is transitioning from the gridiron to the baseball diamond.

According to ABC News, the New York Mets have offered Tebow, an outspoken Christian, a minor league contract and a spot in the Major League Baseball's instructional league in Florida.

Tebow recently held a showcase of his hitting prowess before 46 major league scouts in Los Angeles, but to mixed reviews.He fielded and ran well and hit multiple homeruns, but scouts claimed he might not do so well in "game day" pitching – when professional pitchers are throwing at nearly 100mph.

Tebow, 29, would already be among the older major league players if he landed a spot on a roster. He first has to complete successfully the instructional league that runs through October.

The Mets apparently pulled in Tebow just before Atlanta Braves general manager John Coppolella acted. Coppolella said the Braves recently had "multiple conversations" with Tebow's agents. The Colorado Rockies were also reportedly interested in Tebow.

Tebow, who hasn't played organized baseball since high school, led the University of Florida Gators to two NCAA championships while quarterback. He played for the Denver Broncos and New York Jets, but never earned a starting spot. He played a few pre-season games with the Philadelphia Eagles, as well.