HOLY SHIT

In a stunning move, the Reds have landed prized Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, outbidding several other Major League clubs that were in the running for the left-handed pitcher.

Major League sources told MLB.com that Chapman's deal is likely to be worth $25 million over five years, with an option for a sixth year that could push the value of the contract to $30 million. Payment would likely be spread out over several years to minimize the financial hit.

The Reds have scheduled a press conference for 12 p.m. ET Monday. Some details appear to still need finalizing, and Chapman must also take a physical.

The Reds' interest in the 22-year-old first surfaced on Friday, and word of the signing was first reported by Yahoo Sports on Sunday. Cincinnati was one of many to see Chapman work out on Dec. 15 in Houston. He is believed to throw a fastball that has reached as high as 100 mph on the radar gun.

There are several reasons why the Chapman deal is a shocker. First, the small-market Reds outbid deeper pocketed clubs, including the Blue Jays, Angels and Red Sox, who were the first to bid with an initial $15.5 million offer in early December. Toronto reportedly offered him $23 million. The Marlins also reportedly offered him a deal in the $16 million range.

Secondly, the Reds have barely registered any vital signs on the Hot Stove scene all winter. The team's payroll inflexibility prevented it from offering arbitration-eligible outfielder Jonny Gomes a contract. Veteran third baseman Scott Rolen restructured his 2010 contract to go from $11 million to $6 million so the Reds could better retain some of their other high-salaried players. Rolen's new deal also added two more guaranteed years at $6.5 million each.

Reports have indicated that Chapman is far from polished, but he could give the Reds a very dynamic rotation should he debut in the Majors during 2010. Cincinnati already has young pitchers Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey -- both of whom finished 2009 strong. Another young arm, Edinson Volquez, is rehabilitating from elbow reconstruction surgery and won't likely be ready until midseason at the earliest. The Reds also have back-to-back 15-game winner Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang, who has won 16 games twice in his career.

Because he pitched his entire career in the isolated Communist nation of Cuba, few have seen Chapman pitch. He made two starts for his country in the 2009 World Baseball Classic last spring.

A message for comment was left with Reds general manager Walt Jocketty on Sunday afternoon. Messages were also left with Chapman's agent, Randy Hendricks. He joined the agency of Randy and Alan Hendricks after he dismissed fledgling agent Edwin Mejia, who helped Chapman establish residency in Andorra after he defected from the Cuban National Team in July.