With the free agent market this season lacking in big names, aside from a few -- Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, John Lackey and perhaps a few others -- one name who's been getting quite a bit of attention is Aroldis Chapman.

Chapman, a heralded pitcher who defected from Cuba and made a name for himself on the internation stage will be out there for the taking. The Orioles did meet up with Chapman along with his representative this week and while both sides talked, there may be issues signing him.

The ability to sign Chapman come down to price, plus fierce competition from other teams (especially the big market ones).

From the Baltimore Sun: Orioles international scouting director John Stockstill met Friday with free-agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman and his agent, Edwin Mejia, in New York.

Stockstill, who watched the highly coveted 21-year-old pitch in the World Baseball Classic in March, said he was impressed by Chapman.

"He's willing and interested to come and visit Baltimore," Stockstill said.

Although the Orioles maintain interest, it's highly doubtful they will be serious bidders if Chapman's reported asking price - between $40 million and $60 million in a long-term deal - is accurate.

Chapman, 6 feet 4 and 179 pounds, defected from Cuba in July and has met with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, among other teams. His fastball has been clocked at more than 100 mph.

As much as I would like to see the Orioles take a risk and sign Chapman, the price will be steep and it may not be in the best interests for the Orioles to spend the resources. One would think that the Yankees, Red Sox, and a few of the other big market teams would jack up the bidding for Chapman so high that it would not make much sense for Baltimore to jump in the fray.

The bidding for Champan -- especially between the Yankees and Red Sox -- could make the whole Jose Contreras drama of several years ago look like a walk in the park.

From what I have read about Chapman, he's a physical specimen who can bring it with his fastball. Also, while he may need to work on his breaking pitches, the consensus is that the hurler could be a pivotal part of any major league rotation.

While the Orioles may have little to no shot in acquiring Chapman, I'd say take the chance, make some waves, and go after him just for the sake of adding more young talent to the fold.

Making an attempt to acquire Chapman would sure make fans of the orange and black happy. I don't envision him ever in a Baltimore uniform, but we can dream -- right?