New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson declared earlier this month after Tim Tebow signed to a minor-league deal that the Mets weren't interested in the former Heisman Trophy winner solely to sell merchandise.
Via the AP:
"I have to tell you that the notion that we're going to spend $100,000 on a bonus for a player so we can sell a couple hundred dollars' worth of T-shirts in Kingsport, those economics don't work.... The opportunity to sell T-shirts and the like is almost non-existent. This was about baseball."
Tebow reported to Port St. Lucie, Florida, Monday for his first day of Fall Instructional League ball, and while signing Tebow may indeed still be "about baseball," the Mets capitalized by having a load of Tebow merchandise to sell.
Tebow jerseys and shirts also appeared on the Mets' official online store.
According to ESPN, Tebow signed a bridge agreement with Majestic which allows the team to sell gear featuring his name despite the fact that he hasn't made the Mets' roster.
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