Giants ‘impressed’ in meetings with Giancarlo Stanton, Shohei Ohtani

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Giancarlo Stanton loves to play at AT&T Park, and Shohei Ohtani loves Buster Posey’s “great aura.”

Those were two of the takeaways in the Giants’ meetings with the two players they’re pursuing the most, according to general manager Bobby Evans in a Chronicle interview on Wednesday.

Evans confirmed the Giants came to terms with the Marlins on a trade for Stanton that has contingencies, including the right fielder approving it. The Giants and Cardinals have been the most aggressive pursuers, though it’s believed Stanton, who has a full no-trade clause, is holding out for his hometown Dodgers to engage in serious talks.

Evans also confirmed Stanton was in attendance when the Giants met with his camp last Thursday in Los Angeles.

“He was very impressive,” Evans said. “Very attentive and responsive, and he had a good feel for what he wanted to hear from us. Obviously, this is a unique opportunity for him that he takes seriously and wants to do his homework. He commented on AT&T being one of his favorite parks, complimenting the fans and support we have here. He was very professional and very engaged.”

Stanton, 28, is due $295 million over 10 years, and the Marlins want to move his contract while slashing payroll under a new ownership group that features Derek Jeter.

Asked about the belief Stanton prefers the Dodgers, Evans said, “I think he’s being very thoughtful about his decision, and it’s an important decision for him because he obviously has a lot vested here. He’s got to make a call on where he feels comfortable going. There are a lot of personal factors people don’t know about. We don’t necessarily know those personal factors as well.”

Ohtani, 23, would be far cheaper. The team he chooses would pay a $20 million posting fee, and the Giants couldn’t pay more than a $300,000 signing bonus, according to international signing rules. The salary would be the major-league minimum of $545,000.

Japanese pitcher-outfielder Shohei Otani arrives for a press conference at Japanese National Press Center in Tokyo, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Highly touted Japanese pitcher-outfielder Shohei Otani announced on Saturday he wants to move to Major League Baseball next season. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) less Japanese pitcher-outfielder Shohei Otani arrives for a press conference at Japanese National Press Center in Tokyo, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Highly touted Japanese pitcher-outfielder Shohei Otani announced on ... more Photo: Koji Sasahara, Associated Press Photo: Koji Sasahara, Associated Press Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Giants ‘impressed’ in meetings with Giancarlo Stanton, Shohei Ohtani 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Posey joined Evans, manager Bruce Bochy and other Giants executives for Monday’s Ohtani meeting, also in Los Angeles.

“We scouted him back when he was 18 years old,” Evans said of the celebrated pitcher/hitter. “He was drafted, signed and developed as a player. He’s become a man, a very impressive young man with a great presence.

“He was impressed by Buster’s great aura, and he and Boch had good, lighthearted exchanges. He’s clearly very thoughtful and taking this process very seriously and stepping up to make a big decision at a very young age.”

The “great aura” line was delivered through Ohtani’s interpreter.

“Just Buster’s presence,” explained Evans, “the fact Ohtani saw him play on TV and in the World Series, and there he is getting a chance to meet him. It was a very humble statement to make, but this kid is very humble and thoughtful.”

Generally speaking, Evans envisions Ohtani initially being used as he was in Japan, where he made one start a week. That would require some adjusting by other starters, but the Giants are willing to make it work.

Ohtani hasn’t played the outfield since 2014, serving mostly as a designated hitter, but Evans sees him getting time in the outfield and called him “very athletic with good foot speed.”

After playing mostly right and a little left in Japan, Ohtani could also be viewed as a center fielder. “Some scouts see him being able to play all three very capably,” Evans said. “It’s a matter of what’s best for him.”

Though Stanton and Ohtani might be on the front burner, the Giants continue to explore other options heading into next week’s winter meetings in Orlando. They need to reshape their outfield and find a third baseman and relief help while trying to improve their defense and power numbers.

“We know it’s a long offseason,” Evans said. “All these things take time. Everything doesn’t get done overnight.”

John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer. Email: jshea@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnSheaHey

Stanton at AT&T

Giancarlo Stanton’s career stats at AT&T Park and his overall career stats: