The Los Angeles Angels are reportedly listening to trade offers for shortstop Zach Neto, according to ESPN baseball insiders Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel. This marks a potential shift in the team's approach to the MLB trade deadline, as the Angels have historically been hesitant to move significant assets.
Unlike in previous years, where the Angels largely stood pat at the deadline, sources suggest the team is now open to moving the 25-year-old Neto. Passan and McDaniel noted that this openness is unusual for the club and that Neto is an "awfully intriguing option" given the uncertainty surrounding the availability of other shortstops like Jeremy Peña and CJ Abrams.
This potential willingness to trade Neto comes as the team operates under interim general manager John Mozeliak, who previously helped the St. Louis Cardinals win a World Series in 2011. Baseball industry observers are closely watching how much autonomy owner Arte Moreno will grant Mozeliak during this trade period.
Neto's name emerging as a potential trade candidate is considered a significant development, as trade rumors have more frequently involved pitchers like Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano, or outfielder Jo Adell. If the Angels decide to trade Neto, they could potentially receive a substantial return.
Neto has three years of club control remaining beyond the current season and has established himself as one of baseball's top young shortstops. Over his four-year career, he has accumulated a 14.4 WAR. He has a career batting average of .244 with 77 home runs, 219 RBIs, and 74 stolen bases in 465 games. Notably, 41 of his career home runs have come from the leadoff spot, indicating his potential impact at the top of a lineup.
Defensively, Neto has faced challenges this season, approaching his career high in errors. He has committed 14 errors in 2024, with his career high being 18. The Angels' minor league system is ranked 23rd overall and is noted for a lack of hitting prospects, though it does include some quality pitchers. A trade involving Neto could provide a significant boost to their farm system.