Could the Boston Red Sox land their shortstop of the future at this year’s MLB trade deadline?
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto has been linked to Boston as a potential trade target, and the discourse is growing louder with the Aug. 3 deadline looming. The Red Sox could use an upgrade to their middle infield, and the 25-year-old Neto fits what they’re looking for as a premier right-handed bat.
Boston reportedly tried to trade for Neto in the offseason, but L.A.’s price was too high. Now, with the Angels cruising toward another last-place season, it sounds like they’re open for business (via ESPN):
“(John) Mozeliak, brought in as a consultant and interim general manager about a month ago, is very open to trading controllable players if the right offers materialize, according to people who have spoken with him in recent days. …
“Mozeliak could be tempted to take advantage of what is expected to be a major sellers’ market, especially with the knowledge that the Angels are not a year away — or two, or potentially even three — from legitimate contention.”
Is Neto the kind of player the Red Sox should be pursuing ahead of the deadline? We assessed the potential move below:
Slugging shortstop
We advocated for a Neto trade back in May because of the power he’d bring to one of the league’s worst lineups. The 2022 first-round draft pick tallied 23 homers in 2024, 26 in 2025, and has 19 so far this year. He posted a WAR over 5.0 in each of the last two seasons.
So, what’s the catch?
Neto has struck out an American League-leading 141 times this season for a K rate of 31.5 percent. Then there’s the defense at shortstop, where he ranks near the bottom of the league in Outs Above Average (-8).
Where does he fit?
Neto has exclusively played shortstop throughout his four-year big-league career, so it’s safe to assume that’s where he’d play in Boston. That would raise obvious questions about Red Sox veteran shortstop Trevor Story, who’s expected to return from injury later this season and is under contract through 2027.
While Neto would be an upgrade over Boston’s current shortstop options, top prospect Franklin Arias could reach the MLB club as soon as next season. Would Arias shift over to second base? And if so, would it be wise to force another top infield prospect to change positions upon reaching the majors given what the club just went through with Marcelo Mayer?
Contract situation
Neto and the Angels avoided arbitration with a $4.15 million deal for 2026. He’s under team control through 2029.
What would he cost?
The price has probably come down since the offseason, but as a talented 25-year-old shortstop under contract for the next three years, Neto will still cost a pretty penny.
The Angels are likely years away from fielding a competitive ballclub, so they’re expected to want a package of top prospects in return. Since Arias is almost certainly off the table, Boston could offer a package headlined by one of their top pitching prospects — Anthony Eyanson or Kyson Witherspoon.
Verdict
A decent Plan B or C.
If the Red Sox are going to give up the farm for a big bat, we’d prefer one of the power-hitting catchers we’ve already covered — Hunter Goodman (Rockies) or Shea Langeliers (Athletics). If they’re off the table, or Neto would cost significantly less, we’d make the move for the Angels shortstop.
While Neto would undoubtedly help the Red Sox this season, it’s understandable to feel uneasy about his long-term future with the club. His alarming strikeout rate and poor defense are legitimate red flags. That said, beggars can’t be choosers, and Neto would instantly become the best hitter in Boston’s lineup alongside Willson Contreras.
