The Boston Red Sox, coming off their shocking 15-game winning streak, appear to have crossed over into the buyers’ category.
Boston views Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto as a strong fit ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Thursday. Rosenthal adds that the Red Sox also expressed interest in trading for Neto last MLB offseason.
The righty-hitting Neto, 25, is one of the most exciting players in the game at his position. He can hit for power (19 home runs and 46 RBIs through 100 appearances this season), is a speedy runner (74 stolen bases over three-and-a-half MLB seasons), and is also known for his incredible range and defensive IQ at the shortstop spot.
As for the Red Sox, they now suddenly sit at 52-49 (after a woeful 32-46 start) and occupy the third Wild Card spot in the American League. Their need at shortstop is well-documented too given injuries to Trevor Story (hernia), Isiah Kiner-Falefa (forearm), and Marcelo Mayer (forearm).
It remains to be seen if the Angels, once again in the toilet this year at an AL-worst 41-62, would actually be willing to listen on Neto. After all, Neto is one of their only exciting young Major Leaguers, and Angels owner Arte Moreno is notorious for never selling at the trade deadline no matter how dire the team’s situation gets.
As it stands right now, Neto is still under club control with the Angels through the 2029 season. If the Red Sox cannot successfully pry him away, perhaps they will turn to this bigger-name target at shortstop instead.
