The New York Mets now are expected to meet with Aroldis Chapman, the 21-year-old Cuban defector, and the pitcher’s agent later this week, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday.

Chapman, who declared citizenship in Andorra to become a free agent, arrived in New York on Wednesday, according to ESPN.com, and also will meet with the Yankees during this visit. Chapman also plans to travel to Boston to sit down with the Red Sox at some point.

The Mets, along with Chapman’s other suitors, are unsure of his readiness to pitch in the majors. Chapman, with a fastball that reportedly has been clocked above 100 mph, has been scouted extensively during international competition but is not the polished professional Daisuke Matsuzaka was when he left Japan in 2006 to sign a $52 million contract with the Red Sox.

Matsuzaka’s deal has been mentioned in speculation about what Chapman might command in the open market.

However, one major-league official said on Wednesday that Chapman’s price would be closer to the $15.1 million deal that Stephen Strasburg, the top pick in this year’s draft, received from the Washington Nationals.

Valentine interviews

Back after six years in Japan, former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine had his second interview with the Indians.

The 59-year-old admitted he has a lot of catching up to do after being away from the major leagues, but would embrace the opportunity to take over in Cleveland.

Valentine took the Mets to the World Series in 2000. He has a 1,117-1,072 record as a manager for Texas and New York.

Short hops

Detroit Tigers All-Star third baseman Brandon Inge will undergo surgery on both knees Nov. 3 in a procedure at the Detroit Medical Center to address patella tendinitis that plagued Inge throughout this past season. … Randy Ready, who remains a candidate to become manager of the Houston Astros, was one of six coaches agreeing to contracts to return to the San Diego Padres’ staff. … Arizona pitching prospect Jarrod Parker, the Diamondbacks’ first-round pick in 2007, will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.