The Boston Red Sox are still hunting for another right-handed bat before the MLB trade deadline, but they may have to fight off familiar division rivals to get one of their targets.
Boston already added Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals, though that move has not solved the need just yet because Mead has already landed on the IL. Now the Red Sox are also taking a look at Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto.
They’re not alone in the AL East.
According to Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Tampa Bay Rays are also in the mix for Neto. The Athletic noted that shortstop is a spot the Rays could upgrade, while also pointing out their preference for defense up the middle. Taylor Walls, since his debut in 2021, “leads all shortstops by a wide margin in defensive runs saved.”
The New York Yankees could be another team to watch here. Jorge Castillo of ESPN reported that New York could broaden its search and pursue a left-side infielder regardless of batting side, with Neto among the top shortstop options. Castillo also listed CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals, Jeremy Pena of the Houston Astros, and Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins as candidates.
All four are under team control for at least one more year beyond this season, which means the price tag would be steep if any of them are moved. Castillo also wrote that Lombard is viewed as the Yankees’ shortstop of the future, but New York could still use an established upgrade through the end of 2026 and then shift that player to second base in 2027 after Chisholm reaches free agency.
The MLB Trade Deadline is August 3.
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