The Angels kept Zach Neto through the trade deadline, but the shortstop’s name figures to keep circling the rumor mill all winter.
According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Los Angeles drew plenty of interest in Neto, yet the club never saw an offer that matched its asking price. Murray said the Angels “listened” on him, but “no team met the very high asking price.”
That price was probably steep for good reason. Neto is tracking toward his third straight 20-20 season, even while his defense at shortstop has graded out below average. Still, his age, production and contract control make him one of the most appealing players available if the Angels decide to move him.
Murray pointed to a list of clubs that could make sense if the Angels open the door again this winter, including the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays and others. He also noted that the Red Sox were among the teams linked to Neto at the deadline and could revisit the possibility in the offseason.
At 25 and under team control through 2030, Neto has already piled up 81 homers and 238 RBI in four major league seasons. Murray described him as a franchise shortstop and said he’d “arguably be the best player on the market.”
For the Angels, the timing matters. They are headed toward a 12th straight season without a postseason berth, and unless the front office plans to work out an extension soon, dealing Neto this winter could wind up being the smartest path.
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