The Los Angeles Angels pulled off a head-scratcher at the trade deadline, holding onto shortstop Zach Neto even though offers were flying around. Seriously, what were they thinking? According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, the Angels just didn’t feel the offers met their asking price, which was apparently super high. But man, you gotta wonder if they missed their shot.
Massive Interest, Missed Opportunity?
Neto is a young talent, no doubt about it. He’s on pace for his third consecutive 20-20 season, which is flat-out impressive for a shortstop. We’re talking 20 homers and 20 stolen bases, year after year. That’s power and speed, a combo every team craves. But here’s the kicker: his defense at short is reportedly “well below-average.” It’s that kind of detail that makes you scratch your head about why the Angels kept him when interest was “massive” but no team bit at their “very high asking price,” as Murray himself put it. The Boston Red Sox were one of the clubs rumored to be sniffing around Neto, and you know they’re always looking to make a splash.
Winter’s Coming, And So Is The Neto Sweepstakes
So, what’s next for Neto and the Angels? Well, let’s be real, the Angels are stuck in neutral. They’re about to miss the postseason for the twelfth straight season. That’s a brutal streak, and it makes you think they’re better off rebuilding. Unless they’re planning a contract extension for Neto in the near future, moving him this winter just makes too much sense. He’s only 25 and isn’t hitting free agency until 2030, meaning a team trading for him would get years of control. In his four major league seasons, he’s already racked up 81 homers and 238 RBI. Murray didn’t mince words, stating Neto has established himself as a “franchise shortstop” and would “arguably be the best player on the market” this winter. That’s huge! The Red Sox could re-engage, and they wouldn’t be alone. Murray named the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, and Tampa Bay Rays as teams that “make sense,” along with “many others.”
This winter, keep your eyes glued to the hot stove. Even though the Angels punted at the deadline, Zach Neto’s name is going to be lighting up the trade wires. Which club will land the 25-year-old shortstop who’s consistently putting up 20-20 seasons, despite the defensive questions? It’s going to be a wild offseason, and you know those teams are going to be lining up to make a deal.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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