Yankees' Chapman: 'I can play for Team USA' at WBC

One of America's newest citizens wants to suit up for the red, white, and blue.

New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman, who recently became a U.S. citizen, expressed enthusiasm about representing his adopted country at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

"I am a U.S. citizen," Chapman told Marly Rivera of ESPN.com. "I can play for Team USA."

If the Cuban-born pitcher wants to feature in the international tournament, Team USA may be his only option, as his home nation isn't shifting on its stance against defectors representing its national side.

"Cuba will continue with our athletes. That's something we will keep as indissoluble principle," Antonio Becali, president of the island's National Institute of Sports, said earlier this week. "Our athletes that are within the Cuban sporting system and our national leagues are those that will continue to represent us at international events."

Should USA coach Jim Leyland elect to call up Chapman, the fireballer, who recorded 33 saves last season with the Cincinnati Reds, would be open to any relief role.

"If (Leyland) invites me, I would love to go," Chapman said. "I can close, but I can also go to the bullpen and throw the seventh or the eighth inning, whatever they need."