The Red Sox don’t need another flyer. They need a cornerstone. While everyone talks about big names, the real prize might be sitting in Los Angeles. Zach Neto is 25 years old and already hitting 25 home runs. That kind of power from a shortstop is exactly what this roster lacks.
The Angels might be ready to move him. According to NESN, one insider suggested Neto could be a piece in a future deal. He is a legitimate star-level talent who is still very young. He has three more years of arbitration eligibility left. This makes him a massive asset for any team looking to build for the long haul.
The stats back up the hype. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com wrote, “Neto has 24 homers, 69 RBIs and a .758 OPS in 140 games, posting his third straight season with at least 4.0 bWAR.” He is not just a one-hit wonder. He hit 26 homers last year and 23 the year before that. He is getting better every single season.
The Middle Infield Gap
I am tired of seeing this team play “wait and see” with the infield. We saw interest in Elly De La Cruz at the trade deadline, but that didn’t happen. We can’t keep chasing ghosts. We need someone who is actually available and ready to produce right now. Neto fits that mold perfectly.
Look at the production. He is posting a 117 OPS+ this season. That is elite stuff for a guy playing shortstop. If the Angels decide to tear down their roster and start a rebuild, Neto is their best trade chip. I want him in Boston. He brings the pop we need in the middle of the lineup without sacrificing much defense.
A Fresh Start in Boston
The roster is crowded in other spots. Yahoo Sports noted that Jarren Duran is facing some uncertainty because of players like Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu. If we have a surplus in the outfield, why aren’t we aggressive in the infield? Moving players like Duran could help us fix the holes elsewhere.
Adding Neto would change the entire identity of this offense. You don’t pass up a 25-year-old with 25 home run potential. It’s a no-brainer. My UGA bias makes me love a good rebuild, but I also love winning.
