Cubs Interested in Top Cuban Aroldis Chapman
Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman is primed to be this year’s big time international signing for some team. The 21 year old lefty has a lot of teams excited and interested in ponying up serious cash. Given the Chicago Cubs’ uncertain financial situation, frankly, I had not followed the youngster too closely, expecting that the Cubs would not be one of those teams.
Well…
MLBTR has learned that the Cubs and White Sox have expressed interest in free agenty lefty Aroldis Chapman. The Cardinals have been more aggressive than those clubs, and plan to meet with Chapman next week. The Yankees and Red Sox, of course, have also been among the aggressive suitors. A meeting with the Mets will come later this week, according to Newsday’s David Lennon.
The Chapman tour began yesterday in New York, as the 21-year-old’s agency decided not to make MLB clubs come to Andorra. ESPN’s Jorge Arangure Jr. believes Chapman will command a contract in the $40-60MM range. MLBTradeRumors.com.
What exactly “interest” means is anyone’s guess. Signing guys who’ve never played in MLB to multi-million dollar contracts is always a calculated risk, no matter how talented they seem. Just ask Boston how they enjoyed paying Daisuke Matsuzaka to pitch in the minors this year.
Or, heck, as yourself whether Kosuke Fukudome has been worth his $12 million per year.
I would not expect the Cubs to be serious contenders for Chapman, but we’ll keep our ears open.
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I read somewhere (can’t remember where…sorry) that he throws gas (upper 90s), but doesn’t have much else. Of course, he’s a 21-year-old left who throws gas, so he’s worth something. $40-60M, though? Yikes.
I find it interesting that none of the sources say how many years. $40 to 60 million for what, like … 2 years? Or 20?
I meant “lefty,” not “left.”