NETHERLANDS – Thursday marked the start of Major League Baseball’s international player signing period, and on the same day Cuban prized pitcher Aroldis Chapman defected in Rotterdam where Cuba is participating in the World Port Tournament.

The website, CubaenCuentro.com, first reported that Chapman had left the national team. The 21-year-old posted a 11-4 record with a 4.03 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 118 1/3 innings this past season for the Holguin Dogs in the Cuban League.

“I walked out easily, right through the hotel door, and I hopped into a car and left,” Chapman told the site. “It was easy. Now the plan is to sign with a Major League team.”

The hard-throwing southpaw, who sources told ESPN.com will arrive in Miami shortly, is expected to spark a bidding war amongst major league clubs interested in a young, left-handed pitcher who was clocked at 100 mph during the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Chapman went 0-1 at this year’s WBC with a 5.68 ERA in two games for Cuba. However, he showed flashed of stardom with eight strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.

Photo courtesy of cubaencuentro.com

Tags: Cuba, World Port Tournament