Tim Tebow impresses with batting practice homers

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Tim Tebow isn’t going to be battling for a spot on the New York Mets 2017 roster, but it won’t be because he didn’t work hard in spring training.

After vowing earlier in the day to “focus on what I can control,” Tebow joined the rest of the team’s minor leaguers on the back fields at Mets camp for stretching, fielding drills and four rounds of batting practice.

In the cage, he generated some significant power from his 6-3, 255-pound frame – hitting a total of nine home runs, six of them to the opposite field.

Working in the offseason with Mets hitting instructor Kevin Long and Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy, Tebow has made some adjustments at the plate to take advantage of that power.

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"There's been some changes (since the fall), certain rhythm things, placing my foot or how close I am to the plate. There's been pieces of it that have changed. Overall though, I haven't totally changed my swing."

Tebow, who had a .194/.296/.242 slash line with 20 strikeouts in 62 at-bats in the Arizona Fall League, will continue to work out with the Mets minor league squad, with the possibility of playing in a few games with the Mets later this spring.

At age 29, the former Denver Broncos and New York Jets quarterback has no expectations of his latest career -- he just wants to put in the effort and see where it leads.

"That’s my ultimate goal," Tebow said about playing in the majors. "But I’ve had so much fun training, pursuing it. I enjoy the process, and hopefully I’ll have a chance to (play in the major leagues) someday.’’

Gallery: Tebow at Mets camp