Agent: Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman establishes residency in Andorra

Cuban defector Chapman establishes residency

NEW YORK — Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who defected in July, has established provisional residency in Andorra.

In a statement Monday, Chapman’s agent said the pitcher “has been granted provisional passive residency” in the country pending completion of the process. He has sent his residency materials to Major League Baseball so he can be declared a free agent, the statement said.

The next step is for the commissioner’s office to review Chapman’s residency papers. If he is declared a free agent, all 30 big league teams would be notified that Chapman is available for bidding.

Chapman pitched twice for Cuba in this year’s World Baseball Classic. The 21-year-old left-hander has a 100 mph fastball and is considered by scouts to be one of the top pitching prospects in the world.

Chapman defected from Cuba after arriving with his national team for a tournament in the Netherlands. He is represented by Athletes Premier International, which is headed by Edwin Leonel Mejia.

Andorra is a small European country bordered by Spain and France.

“Andorra is a beautiful country and has provided an ideal setting for me to prepare myself for professional baseball without distractions,” Chapman said in the statement. “I look forward to becoming a proud advocate for my adopted country.”