Aroldis Chapman Signs With Cincinnati

Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman has agreed to a five year contract with the Cincinnati Reds worth $30M acording to ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure.  However, Chapman's representatives would not confirm the repots that Chapman has signed and merely listed the Reds as "possible".

While the Reds have presumably won the Chapman sweepstakes, earlier in the week the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays and Florida Marlins were all rumored to be bidding for the Cuban's services. 

Chapman is just 22 years old and comes armed with a fastball that exceeds 100 mph.  While control remains an issue for the left handed pitcher and most scouts acknowledge that Chapman is not ready to play in the major leagues his potentail remains off the charts.  One thing scouts really like his how smooth his delivery is something that is often a concern with a hard throwing pitcher.  Being able to repeat the same violent motion with minimal wear to the shoulder is always a point of emphasis and is something Chapman already displays.

Aroldis Chapman's July defection from Cuba lands him in Cincinnati