Dodgers could target Zach Neto in surprise deadline deal
ESPN insider Jeff Passan says the Los Angeles Dodgers could join the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies in pursuing Angels shortstop Zach Neto before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Neto, under club control through 2030, may be the best player moved this deadline, though a Dodgers deal remains unlikely.
The rumor is a surprise Dodgers link. Los Angeles already starts Mookie Betts at shortstop and Tommy Edman at second base. Still, years of control and a thin bat market have made Zach Neto one of the loudest names in this week's celebrity breaking news chatter.
Key Takeaways
- Jeff Passan says big-market clubs, including the Dodgers, could chase Angels shortstop Zach Neto.
- Neto is controlled through 2030 and is hitting .232 with 19 home runs, 46 RBIs and a .757 OPS.
- The Phillies have held talks with Anaheim, raising questions about Trea Turner's role.
- Boston is exploring shortstop help, though Neto's asking price looks steep.
- Sports Illustrated still frames a Dodgers acquisition as very unlikely.
Why are the Dodgers linked to Zach Neto?
According to Sports Illustrated, Passan said on his Sources Tell Jeff Passan podcast that Neto might be the best player traded by the deadline. He named the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox and Phillies as possible suitors.
Passan argued the Angels will want a "home run" return because productive bats are scarce. At 25, Neto has hit at least 23 home runs in two straight seasons and is on pace to do it again in 2026.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has noted that surprise opportunities can appear close to the deadline, as they have in recent years. Even so, SI stresses that this scenario remains a long shot.
Where would Zach Neto play for Los Angeles?
Moving Betts off shortstop would be a shock. SI reports the Dodgers would likely shift Edman to the outfield, especially if they trade an outfielder such as Alex Call or Teoscar Hernandez, as rumored.
Neto is a below-average defender at shortstop, which could make him a candidate to play elsewhere. His draw is power and stolen-base threat toward the top of a lineup, plus control through 2030.
Which other teams are chasing Zach Neto?
Yahoo Sports reports the Phillies have had conversations with the Angels about Neto. Philadelphia needs a right-handed bat after a rough stretch, but adding him would force a decision on Trea Turner, who led MLB with 19 errors at shortstop as of July 30.
MLB Trade Rumors says the Red Sox are canvassing the shortstop market with Trevor Story sidelined. Neto could be available, but Boston may not want to surrender multiple high-end young talents for three-plus years of him while prospect Franklin Arias rises.
The trade deadline is Aug. 3 at 3 p.m. PT. Whether Zach Neto actually moves — and to which big-market club — should become clearer as that window closes.