Has new one
the beginning of his career. Former Michigan quarterback Drew Henson had a cup of coffee with the Bombers, too.
The Mets also currently have a quarterback in the mix. NFL bust Tim Tebow got an invite to big league camp as the former Heisman winner continues his pro baseball dreams for a second season.
Don’t look for Wilson, a four-time Pro Bowler, to pull on the pinstripes and jump in the lineup with the likes of Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. This move is just one that allows Wilson — who played two years in the Rockies’ system before being selected by the Rangers in the Rule 5 draft in 2013 — to stay close to the game he loves.
While he is in Tampa, Wilson will participate in pregame workouts with the club and watch games from the Yankees’ dugout. He will be officially assigned to the Double-A Trenton roster.
“I want to personally thank the Texas Rangers for giving me the chance to experience professional baseball again,” Wilson said in a statement. “Growing up taking grounders, hitting BP, and throwing deep post routes early in the mornings with my dad and brother is where my love of sports came from, and those memories stick with me every morning I wake up. I remember how excited I was when Texas selected me in the Rule 5 Draft in December 2013. During my two springs in Arizona with the Rangers, I was reminded just how much I love the game of baseball.
“While football is my passion and my livelihood, baseball remains a huge part of where I came from and who I am today. I’ve learned so much on the baseball field that translates to my game physically and mentally playing quarterback in the NFL. I thank the Rangers and their great fans for making me feel at home and a part of the family! While I embrace the chance to be a New York Yankee, I will forever be grateful to have been a part of a world class organization like the Texas Rangers.”
Wilson, who helped the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title at MetLife Stadium in 2014, was originally drafted by the Orioles in the 41st round of the 2007 amateur draft out of high school but opted to play both sports at North Carolina State.
The Rockies then selected him in the fourth round of the 2010 draft. He had 315 at-bats in 2010-2011 in two stops at the lower levels of the Rockies organization. Wilson had 72 hits with 26 RBI and 19 stolen bases with a .229 batting average.
Wilson, who finished his collegiate football career at Wisconsin, was selected by Seattle in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft and was an immediate sensation, winning Rookie of the year honors.
But he wasn’t ready to dump baseball and he participated in team workouts at Rangers spring training camp in both 2014 and 2015. Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia joked on social media about the deal.
“About to win the next World Series and Super Bowl,” the veteran lefty tweeted.
The Yankees chimed in: ‘We do have a really good O-line.”
The Yankees will send future considerations to the Rangers in exchange for Wilson. (and required Tommy John surgery). A lot of people thought he would be up at some point last year, but the injury cost him that opportunity,” said Girardi. “I think it depends on how quickly he comes back and the strides that Miguel has made. They are both very talented kids and I believe they are going to be long-time big leaguers.
“I think (the Yankees) are going to be very good,” added Girardi. “We finished up last season really strong, went through injuries, treaded water for a while. They’re a talented club. If they’re able to remain healthy, I think you’re going to see them in the postseason.”
There was no chance Girardi was going to be away from the game too long – “I think my family would have kicked me out of the house at some point,” he said – and in his new MLB Network analyst role, Girardi said he would “give my views on what I see during games.” But Girardi said he would avoid too much verbal skewering.
“I’m not really into criticizing because I think players are giving their all and doing everything they can to be successful,” he said.