Braves join race for vaunted Cuban defector Chapman

By Melissa Segura, SI.com

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Aroldis Chapman boasts a fastball that has been clocked at 102 mph. AP

Add one more team to an already long list of suitors for Cuban lefthander Aroldis Chapman. The Atlanta Braves are the latest team seeking to meet with Chapman's agent, two sources told SI.com.

Though an exact date, time and location for a meeting have not been established, the two sides are expected to schedule formal conversations in the coming weeks.

The 21-year-old with a fastball that's been clocked as high as 102 mph will be one of the most sought-after free agents of the offseason.

The Braves join the Orioles, Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Athletics and Cardinals as teams with reported interest in Chapman.

The 6-foot-4 pitcher defected July 1 during a Cuban National team tournament in Rotterdam, Holland. Chapman's career record is 24-21 and he twice led the Serie Nacional, Cuba's professional league, in strikeouts.