The Mets officially announced 13 additional players that were invited to Spring Training this season.

Headlining the group is 1B Peter Alonso, who GM Brodie Van Wagenen has already noted could break camp as the Opening Day starter. Since that comment, though, he has brought in multiple infielders like Jed Lowrie and J.D. Davis who provide more competition for Alonso.

During Lowrie's introductory press conference on Wednesday, Van Wagenen said he hopes that added competition gives Alonso some more motivation this spring.

"In some ways I hope that it puts more pressure and creates more excitement and motivation for Peter," Van Wagenen told SNY's Andy Martino in an exclusive 1-on-1 interview at the Lowrie press conference. "If any of you guys have had a chance to talk to him, he's an incredibly hard worker and he wants to drive himself to be the best. He's got an opportunity to do that at Spring Training."

Another player that wasn't much of a surprise on the list was OF Tim Tebow, who made the cut the past two seasons. In 18 at-bats last year, Tebow had just one hit and 11 strikeouts. But the former NFL quarterback saw better fortune in the minors last season before suffering a season-ending hamate injury.

Other players to watch that got an invite are SS Andres Gimenez -- the Mets' No. 1 prospect according to MLB.com -- LHP David Peterson (No. 4), and LHP Anthony Kay (No. 5).

Here are the other invitees who will get a chance to impress the Mets in Port St. Lucie:

LHP P.J. Conlon
OF Gregor Blanco
OF Rajai Davis
LHP Luis Avilan
RHP Arquimedes Caminero
INF Dilson Herrera
OF Rymer Liriano
LHP Ryan O'Rourke
LHP Hector Santiago
C Colton Plaia
RHP Ryder Ryan
C Patrick Mazeika
RHP Corey Taylor
C Ali Sanchez
RHP Josh Torres
RHP Stephen Villines

Pitchers and catchers will report to camp on Feb. 12, while position players are expected on Feb. 16.

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