Updated

Updated · MLB.com · Jul 23

Angels Weigh Trading Zach Neto, 25, as MLB Deadline Rumors Swirl Around Holmes and Griffin

Updated

Updated · MLB.com · Jul 23

Angels Weigh Trading Zach Neto, 25, as MLB Deadline Rumors Swirl Around Holmes and Griffin

Q: Is Zach Neto’s immense power enough for contenders to overlook his glaring defensive flaws and high strikeout rate?

Yes, but only to a point. Neto’s power, age and years of control make him attractive enough that contenders will still engage, but his defense and strikeout profile clearly cap how much they will pay and how confidently they can project him as a long-term shortstop. The appeal is obvious. Neto is 25, has 19 homers this season, ranks near the top of the position in WAR since 2024, and offers rare right-handed power from the middle infield. In a deadline market short on impact bats and controllable talent, that profile is valuable. That is why clubs such as Boston continue to see him as a fit despite the risk. The concerns are real, not cosmetic. Neto’s strikeout rate has climbed to 31.5%, with 141 strikeouts, and his defensive metrics at shortstop have been poor, including 14 errors and minus-8 Outs Above Average. For a contender, those flaws matter more in October, when run prevention and contact quality are magnified. They also raise the possibility that he is better suited long term for second base, third base or a less demanding defensive role. So contenders are not overlooking the flaws so much as pricing them in. Neto’s bat is strong enough to keep him in demand, but not strong enough to erase the questions entirely. He still looks like a premium trade chip; he just may be valued more as a high-impact offensive infielder than as a no-doubt franchise shortstop.

2 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Jul 23

11 days before the Aug. 3 deadline, the Angels are reportedly open to moving shortstop Zach Neto along with starters Reid Detmers and José Soriano if strong offers emerge.
Neto could draw a sizable return because the 25-year-old has 19 homers, a 13.4 WAR since 2024 among regular shortstops, and more than three years of team control; Boston is viewed as a fit.
Chicago is also scanning the market for pitching, with controllable arms preferred over a costly rental like Tarik Skubal; possible targets include Emerson Hancock, Robbie Ray, Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman.
Holmes is set to begin a rehab assignment Thursday after a fractured right fibula, and rival scouts are expected to watch as The Athletic reports a trade is far more likely than a Mets extension.
Washington is still deciding whether to trade, extend or keep All-Star lefty Foster Griffin, whose 2.68 ERA over 117 1/3 innings has led some rival executives to view a deal as inevitable.