Young pitching prospect Chapman visits the Sox
NEW YORK - Aroldis Chapman, the 21-year-old Cuban lefthander with a fastball that hits triple digits, was at Fenway Park yesterday and came away impressed with the Red Sox.
“Boston was one of the teams he was interested in from the start, and that certainly hasn’t changed,’’ said Chapman’s agent, Edwin Mejia. “It was a very good visit.’’
General manager Theo Epstein declined to comment on Chapman. But Mejia confirmed that he and his client met with members of the baseball operations staff and a player, although he declined to identify which one.
Chapman was expected to throw for the Red Sox, although inclement weather may have pushed that back.
“This is a player who I believe is a special talent, and we’re trying to find the right place for him,’’ Mejia said. “That means the team, the city, even the fans. Aroldis is interested in every aspect.’’
Chapman and Mejia already have met with the Mets and Yankees. Several other teams, including the Mariners, Tigers, and Cardinals, also have interest.
“I’d say 10 teams have said they want to meet with us,’’ Mejia said. “It’s no secret who he is and what he can do.’’
Chapman defected in July, fleeing the Cuban national team during a tournament in the Netherlands. After being driven to Spain, he established residence in Andorra and was declared a free agent by Major League Baseball Sept. 25.
Scouts rave about his fastball but have expressed concern about the quality and command of his secondary pitches. Most teams view Chapman as a high-level prospect who may need time in the minors.
Chapman has a number of indirect connections to Boston. Mejia is a graduate of Boston Latin and UMass-Amherst, and attended law school at Boston University before opening his agency, Athletes Premier International, in White Plains, N.Y.
Chapman is friendly with shortstop Jose Iglesias from Cuba, who signed an $8.5 million deal with the Red Sox in July. Iglesias, a premium defensive player, is hitting .276 with a home run and four RBIs through eight games in the Arizona Fall League.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. ![]()




