Why Zach Neto, not Mike Trout, is the Angels player Red Sox should pursue – NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Red Sox should take into account buying a right-handed slugger from the Los Angeles Angels, nevertheless it is not Mike Trout.
Michael Felger of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Felger & Mazz sparked the Trout-to-Boston rumors on Tuesday, citing a “loose” supply that advised him “don’t be surprised” if the Red Sox find yourself with the three-time MVP.
“They think he’s a better leader than (Alex) Bregman and will hit a bunch of home runs at Fenway Park,” Felger relayed from his supposed supply. “And LA likes (Jarren) Duran and (Brayan) Bello.”
The possibilities of such a deal are slim to none. Trout’s contract, which pays him $37.1 million per yr by way of 2030, features a full no-trade clause. While he may select to waive it, the 34-year-old has been extremely loyal to the Angels. It’s unlikely he instantly opts to depart LA, particularly for a last-place Boston membership at this stage of his 16-year MLB profession.
If Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow calls Angels common supervisor Perry Minasian a couple of potential commerce, shortstop Zach Neto makes extra sense.
Almost a decade youthful than Trout at 25 years previous, Neto is coming off back-to-back seasons with a 5.1 bWAR. The 2022 first-round draft choose notched 23 homers with a .761 OPS in 2024 and 26 homers with a .791 OPS in 2025.
Boston’s lackluster lineup desperately wants that sort of pop, significantly from the proper facet. Neto has additionally been a strong defender for many of his 4 MLB seasons, though he has had some uncharacteristic psychological miscues this yr.
It’s been an odd season throughout for Neto, who entered the marketing campaign as one in every of MLB Network’s high 10 shortstops and broadly thought of one in every of the league’s most underrated skills. Through 43 video games, he is slashing .216/.322/.386 with six homers, 18 RBI, and 62 strikeouts. He leads all American League shortstops with six errors.
None of that should dissuade Boston from pursuing Neto, who’s beneath group management by way of 2029. He might profit from a change of surroundings, as a result of as dangerous as the Red Sox have been thus far this season (17-24), the Angels have been even worse (16-28). They have not had a successful season since 2015.
Neto affords much more upside than present Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story, whose early-season struggles have once again sparked DFA debates. The 33-year-old has provided zero worth at the plate thus far in 2026, and his protection has quickly declined over the final three years.
According to Sean McAdam of MassLive.comthe Red Sox inquired about Neto throughout the offseason, however the Angels set a “very high bar” when he got here to the return. Perhaps his current struggles, and what seems to be one other misplaced season for LA, will convey down the price. If it is true that the Angels are eyeing Duran and Bello, that is an excellent place to begin.
Neto would not remedy all of Boston’s issues this season, however he is an thrilling younger expertise who would give Sox followers one thing to be enthusiastic about long-term. Breslow should be working like his job is on the line, and an enormous splash for Neto is the sort of transfer that would purchase him extra time.