The Cuban team announced their players for the World Port Tournament, and Aroldis Chapman was originally listed as a pitcher for the team.
But, according to a Cuban newspaper report, Aroldis Chapman has in fact defected. The tournament was scheduled for July 2 through 12th, and Chapman was scheduled to be the opening day pitcher in the tournament, but he never showed up. The English version of the article is here.
For those who are not familiar with Aroldis Chapman, he is probably one of the top five pitchers in baseball under 25. He is Yu Darvish without the polish, a kid who can hit the radar guns at 102 miles per hour, but can be erratic with his command.
He showcased himself at the World Baseball Classic and must have had the major league scouts drooling over his potential. He would like to put his skills to the test in the major leagues. You can bet that probably all 30 major league teams would be willing to accommodate him.
Kudos have to be given to East Windup for first reporting it.
While major league baseball would love to see the sport expand internationally, the reality is that the best of the international crop usually gravitate toward the major leagues anyway, and they with which ever organization has the money to pay them the highest salaries. The gorillas always win.
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The Yankees are likely the favorites. ESPN calls him the left-handed Strasburg.
He has a great fastball, but I’m not sure about his other stuff. Granted he’s only 21,but if we were a normal prospect, he’d be in AAA right now.
I’d bid for him, but I wouldn’t overpay.
I bet he would be a better bargain at 3 yrs / $36 MIL than good old Ollie will be! (Not that I am advocating that much $$)