The Phillies are searching for answers, and the trade market may already be pointing them toward one of the most interesting names available: Zach Neto.
Philadelphia has stumbled badly since the All-Star break, and the pressure is on at the deadline. The rotation and bullpen both need help, but the bigger issue has been the lineup, which has lacked the kind of right-handed punch the club badly needs.
That’s why ESPN’s Jeff Passan said on SportsCenter that the Phillies have already opened trade talks with the Angels about Neto, a 25-year-old shortstop who brings both power and defensive value.
"They've had conversations with the Los Angeles Angels about Zach Neto, who, you say, Trea Turner is a shortstop already, Trea Turner might not be at shortstop long-term, and having a guy of Zach Neto's caliber not just with his glove, but especially with the bat, with the power, would really help that lineup," Passan said.
Neto would be under club control through the 2029 season, which makes him more than a short-term fix. If Philadelphia landed him, he could be their shortstop for the next 3.5 seasons.
Of course, that would also force a major shift for Trea Turner. Neto would take over at shortstop, and Turner would likely have to move elsewhere, with second base or the outfield mentioned as possible landing spots. Given Turner’s defensive struggles at shortstop this season, that might actually make sense for the Phillies.
The appeal is obvious. Neto is hitting .757 OPS this season and has piled up 21 doubles, 19 home runs, 97 hits, and 2.8 bWAR, which would be the most of any Phillies position player this year. That kind of production would give the lineup a real jolt.
But a player like that won’t come cheap. Dave Dombrowski would likely have to surrender premium prospects to get a deal done, with Gage Wood and/or Ramon Marquez mentioned as possible pieces. Francisco Renteria or Aidan Miller might also have to be included.
It would be a steep price, but the fit is hard to ignore. Neto would upgrade the Phillies on both sides of the ball, and this is one trade fans should be watching closely as the deadline approaches.
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