Giants GM Bobby Evans meets with Aroldis Chapman's agent

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PHOENIX -- Giants general manager Bobby Evans is leaving no stone unturned this month in the search for a new closer, and on Wednesday that meant checking in with the hardest-throwing pitcher in the game.

Evans met with the agent for free agent left-hander Aroldis Chapman at the MLB GM Meetings. He is in the process of touching base with the representatives of all the major free agent relievers, as well as evaluating trade options.

Evans said he's "casting a wide net." Chapman is one of three top options on the market, along with Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon. Wade Davis of the Royals and David Robertson of the White Sox are thought to be the two most appealing options available via trade this winter. The Giants also watched Greg Holland's showcase earlier this week. 

"You create an order of preference but it's not limited to those (first) three," Evans said. "You have a good number of guys with the potential to close games."

The asking prices are just starting to be fleshed out as the offseason gets going. The word around the GM Meetings on Wednesday was that Chapman could be seeking a deal of up to $100 million. Jansen and Melancon are also expected to break Jonathan Papelbon's record $50 million deal for a relief pitcher.

The Giants briefly chased Chapman during the season before he was traded to the Cubs, where he helped snap a 108-year run without a title. While Chapman is dominant on the field, he comes with a checkered off-field history. He was suspended 30 games at the start of last season after a domestic violence incident. 
 

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