PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Tim Tebow arrived at the New York Mets spring training camp on Sunday, and the attention immediately turned to whether the quarterback who became an outfielder could make it all the way to Citi Field in the future.
Guess what? Mets general manager Sandy Alderson votes yes.
"Somebody asked me if thought he'd be a major league player at some point. I think he will play in the major leagues. That's my guess," Alderson said.
"This experiment is not going to last forever, but he's made meaningful progress. We thought he would best benefit from being in major league camp -- that that would accelerate his development," Alderson said.
The 30-year-old Tebow has already had success on another field. A former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion at Florida, he reached the NFL and threw an overtime TD pass for Denver to beat Pittsburgh in the playoffs (see full story).
Hosmer, Padres reach preliminary 8-year deal, per AP source
PEORIA, Ariz. - Just the thought of free agent first baseman Eric Hosmer joining the downtrodden, youthful San Diego Padres sent a morning jolt through the spring training clubhouse.
The on-field vibe seemed equally cheery, as country music blared as players went to work under sunny skies in the Arizona desert.
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Hosmer reached a preliminary agreement on an eight-year contract with the Padres, pending a physical. A person with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed the tentative deal, speaking on the condition of anonymity Sunday because there had been no formal announcement of Hosmer's potential signing.
It would become official once he passes a physical early in the week. While the final position players reported Sunday - most were already in spring camp - ahead of Monday's first full-squad workout, Hosmer wasn't expected in the desert until at least Monday.
Hosmer, who spent his first seven major league seasons with Kansas City, would receive a reported $144 million (see full story).
Angels sign 2 veteran sluggers
TEMPE, Ariz. - The Los Angeles Angels have signed veteran slugger Chris Carter and longtime outfielder Chris Young.
Carter got a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training on Sunday, while Young agreed to a one-year contract.
Carter played for the New York Yankees last season, batting .201 with eight homers. The first baseman is only one season removed from leading the NL with 41 homers for Milwaukee in 2016.
The 31-year-old Carter has 158 career homers, including three straight seasons with at least 24 homers for Houston.
Young spent last season with Boston, batting .235 with 25 RBIs in 90 games. He also has played for Arizona, Oakland and the Mets and Yankees.
The Angels traded first baseman C.J. Cron to Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Ellsbury says he hasn't been asked to waive no-trade clause
TAMPA, Fla. - Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury says the team has not approached him about waiving his no-trade clause.
There has been speculation that the Yankees would like to move some of the money due Ellsbury, who has three years remaining on a $153 million, seven-year contract.
Ellsbury, 34, enters spring training as the odd man out in the outfield after losing his center field job last year to Aaron Hicks. Brett Gardner is locked in as the left fielder. Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge will rotate between right field and designated hitter, and could also get time in left when Gardner is rested.
"There's not a lineup made up yet, that's how I look at it," Ellsbury said Sunday on reporting day for position players. "Every year you come in and compete. One game, one pitch, your role could totally change."
Yankees manager Aaron Boone hasn't officially named Hicks as the starter but pointed out the success the 28-year-old had in 2017. Hicks had a .266 average, along with 15 homers and 52 RBIs over 88 games (see full story).
