NEW YORK _ The Mets announced on Thursday that Peter Alonso and Tim Tebow will be among 13 additional players who will be invited to spring training.
Alonso, the slugging first-base prospect, will have a chance to make the big club if he impresses in Florida, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in December.
The Mets didn't even call up Alonso in September last season, but that was under the previous regime. Van Wagenen visited with Alonso in Arizona shortly after getting the job and is high on the 24-year-old, who hit 36 home runs combined in Double-A and Triple-A last season.
Tebow, the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo, will continue his quest to make the major leagues in his third professional baseball season.
The other players who were invited to spring training on Thursday are Long Island product and left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay, LHPs P.J. Conlon and David Peterson, RHPs Ryder Ryan, Corey Taylor, Josh Torres and Stephen Villines, catchers Patrick Mazeika, Colton Plaia and Ali Sanchez and infielder Andres Gimenez.
The Mets previously had invited eight other players to spring training: LHP Luis Avilan, outfielder Gregor Blanco, RHP Arquimedes Caminero, outfielder Rajai Davis, infielder Dilson Herrera, outfielder Rymer Liriano, LHP Ryan O'Rourke and LHP Hector Santiago.
Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12 with position players reporting on Feb. 16. The first full squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 18.
