Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban left-handed pitcher with the 100-mph fastball, is close to signing with the Cincinatti Reds. The deal is reportedly worth $30 million over five years.
From ESPN.com:
Chapman’s representatives said Sunday afternoon that the deal is not done and would not confirm the team, but did say the Reds are “possible.”
“We have to wait still,” agent Rodney Fernandez wrote to ESPN The Magazine in a text message in regard to a possible deal with the Reds. “It’s possible. We’ll see.”
Reports earlier last week had the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels in the bidding for Chapman.
Chapman attended a Yankees playoff game in New York and also visited Red Sox officials in Fenway Park while he was still represented by his previous agent, Edwin Mejia. Last month, Chapman held a workout in Houston attended by more than a dozen teams, including the Red Sox, who have scouted him extensively in international play.
He was also being courted by the Toronto Blue Jays and Florida Marlins, though The Miami Herald reported last week that the Marlins would drop out of the bidding if the price exceeded $20 million.
Chapman was the most coveted prospect this offseason, so it’s not surprising that he landed a contract this big. His impressive performance for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic aroused interest in many MLB teams. The Angels became a favorite because Chapman’s good friend Kendry Morales is on the roster. Also, the Marlins were attractive because of Florida’s large Cuban population. However, what could be appealing to Chapman about playing in Cincinnati? In the end, it must have been the money.
Regardless, once Chapman spends some time in the minors he will be a great addition to a Reds team in need of some intimidating pitching.
Photo from fOTOGLIF
