Cuban Pitcher Defects, Headed To Majors

July 2, 2009 6:39 p.m. EST

Havana, Cuba (AHN) - Cuban top prospect Aroldis Chapman left his national team and stayed in The Netherlands, and could be headed to Miami, multiple media sources reported Thursday.

The 21-year-old left-handed pitcher is considered a highly-valuable prospect and was scheduled to fly from Europe to Miami on Thursday, according to ESPN.

Chapman played in this year's World Baseball Classic and donned the Cuban colors.

His fastball reached 100 mph on the gun and he showed promise several times though he admitted he still needs to polish in some areas.

According to the Web site CubaenCuentro.com, Chapman was with his teammates in Rotterdam and soon departed the hotel and never returned.

Chapman, who didn't reveal his exact location, said his next intention was to sign with the majors.

Chapman suited up with Cuba for two games in the WBC, posting a 5.68 ERA with eight strikeouts in 6 1-3 innings.