Mets GM: Tebow is 'one step away' from big leagues

Former NFL quarterback turned professional baseball player Tim Tebow could be entering the big time once again.

The outfielder, who will begin next season with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, is "one step away" from the big leagues, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Wednesday on WFAN's "Mike's On."

"I believe that if Tim is good enough to help us out at the major-league level, he'll play there," Van Wagenen explained. "He's not going to want a courtesy shot at the big leagues. He's going to have to earn it.

"If Tim Tebow is the best offensive player in Triple-A (when the Mets need to call up a minor-league hitter), he’s going to be in (manager Mickey Callaway's) lineup."

Tebow appeared in 84 games for the Mets' Double-A affiliate in Binghamton last season, hitting .273/.336/.399 with six home runs and 36 RBIs.

Van Wagenen, a former player agent, previously represented Tebow before he became an executive.