The San Francisco Giants missed out on July's two biggest starting pitcher trade chips, Philadelphia's Cole Hamels and Detroit's David Price, and it appears they've now shifted their focus to the back of the bullpen and finding an upgrade over Santiago Casilla in the closer role.
According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Giants are one of a handful of teams in play for Cincinnati Reds fireballer Aroldis Chapman with Friday's MLB Trade Deadlingelooming:
The asking price remains heavy, but #Reds still talking to teams about Aroldis Chapman. Hearing #Dbacks, #Astros, #SFGiants & #Yankees
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 30, 2015
San Francisco has been connected to Chapman in various trade rumors over the past couple of weeks, making this a reaffirmation of the front office's intent to find a proven closer while potentially shifting Casilla into a setup role.
Chapman, 27, wowed both teammates and American League opponents at the All-Star Game in Cincinnati, hitting in excess of 100 mph on almost every pitch he threw. He has converted on 21 of his 22 save opportunities this year, pitching to a 1.65 ERA with an eye-popping 77 strikeouts in just 43.2 innings pitched (44 appearances).
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