Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes

The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said.

Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason.

Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban right-hander Jose Contreras in 2002.

The Tigers did not immediately respond to SI.com's request for comment about their possible role in the Chapman sweepstakes. The Tigers join the Orioles, Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Athletics and Cardinals as reported suitors for Chapman.

The Yankees hosted Chapman and his agent, Edwin Leonel Mejia, at Sunday night's Game 6 of the ALCS. He was scheduled to meet with the Cardinals today, but the announcement of manager Tony LaRussa's return to the team upended those plans. Chapman arrived in New York from Europe last Wednesday.