Top 5 Potential Trade Deadline Landing Spots for Zach Neto
July 31, 2026 - Written by Jack Argent
Bob Nightengale on Zach Neto:
— SleeperAngels (@SleeperAngels) July 31, 2026
"Teams would love to acquire SS Zach Neto, but unless the Angels are absolutely blown away by an offer they can't refuse, he's staying put." pic.twitter.com/hXbkSpu35C
With the MLB trade deadline shortly approaching on August 3rd, many teams are deciding what direction to take for the remainder of the season. Contenders often look to address weaknesses by becoming buyers, while teams that have fallen out of the playoff race typically become sellers, moving established talent in exchange for prospects to help reload for the future.
As for the Angels, newly hired Interim General Manager John Mozeliak has publicly expressed his desire to make significant changes to the roster, believing it is a necessary step toward getting the organization back on track. With the club sitting at an MLB worst 42-67 and Mozeliak signaling a new direction, it appears increasingly likely that the Angels will be sellers at this year's trade deadline.
That means productive players such as Zach Neto, Jose Soriano, Reid Detmers, Jo Adell, and Jorge Soler could all be available as the organization looks to replenish one of baseball's bottom five farm systems. However, one name stands out from that group: Zach Neto.
Neto has long been viewed as a franchise cornerstone, but with another disappointing season slipping away, the Angels could capitalize on his value. His combination of power, defense, and team control makes him one of the premier shortstops on the market, giving the Angels an opportunity to acquire a significant haul of prospects from a contender looking to make a deep postseason run.
With that in mind, here are five potential trade partners that make sense for both the Angels and Zach Neto.
1. Boston Red Sox
Over the past month, the Red Sox have completely changed the outlook of their season, climbing out of a 37-48 hole by winning 15 straight games from July 3 through July 22. That surge transformed Boston from a potential seller into a clear buyer.
One area that remains unsettled is shortstop. Since Trevor Story was lost for the season with a sports hernia, Boston has struggled to replace both his defense and leadership. Even before the injury, Story posted a disappointing 56 OPS+, making Neto's 114 OPS+ a substantial offensive upgrade.
From the Angels' perspective, the ideal return would begin with Boston's top prospect, shortstop Franklin Arias. If Boston is unwilling to move Arias, a package centered around either right-hander Anthony Eyanson (No. 2 prospect) or outfielder Justin Gonzales (No. 3 prospect) could still provide the Angels with high-end talent to accelerate their rebuild.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays present one of the more intriguing fits. With the Yankees battling injuries and questions surrounding whether Boston can sustain its momentum, Tampa Bay appears well-positioned to challenge for the AL East title.
While Taylor Walls continues to provide excellent defense, his offensive production leaves plenty to be desired. Tampa Bay's lineup relies heavily on Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, and Jonathan Aranda, making another impact bat a logical addition.
Although Neto's power-first approach differs somewhat from Tampa Bay's traditional style of play, his all-around game would make him an ideal fit at shortstop.
In return, the Angels could target former elite prospect Carson Williams, top catching prospect Nathan Flewelling (No. 2 Rays prospect), and right-hander Brody Hopkins (No. 5 Rays prospect). Williams could step into the major league roster immediately, while Flewelling and Hopkins offer considerable long-term upside.
3. New York Yankees
The Yankees are another strong candidate. Injuries throughout their lineup, combined with inconsistent production at shortstop, create a clear need.
Anthony Volpe has struggled to build upon his highly touted prospect status, while Ryan McMahon has provided below-average production at third base. Neto would immediately strengthen New York's infield while providing another impact bat alongside Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton once they return to full health.
For the Angels, a dream return would include top-20 prospect George Lombard Jr. There is also the possibility that major league-ready outfielder Spencer Jones could headline the package, while 6-foot-7 left-hander Henry Lalane would provide another intriguing pitching prospect to round out the deal.
4. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers may seem like a surprising team on this list. Historically, Milwaukee has been reluctant to make splashy deadline acquisitions, even while contending.
However, with reports linking them to ace Tarik Skubal, the Brewers appear willing to be more aggressive than usual. If that's the case, adding an impact shortstop like Neto could further solidify their World Series aspirations.
Milwaukee also possesses one of baseball's top farm systems. A return featuring infielder Luis Peña (No. 2 Brewers prospect), utility player Jett Williams (No. 5 prospect), and catcher Jefferson Quero (No. 13 prospect) would significantly strengthen the Angels' organizational depth while addressing multiple long-term positional needs.
For Milwaukee, Neto would finally provide stability at shortstop while adding another legitimate five-tool player to an already talented roster.
5. Atlanta Braves
The Braves round out the list as another logical destination. Former All-Star Orlando Arcia has experienced a significant decline in production, leaving Atlanta searching for an upgrade at shortstop.
Adding Neto would strengthen both the offense and defense while helping position the Braves for another deep postseason run.
In return, the Angels could pursue a package centered around outfielder Eric Hartman (No. 2 Braves prospect), right-hander Owen Murphy (No. 7 prospect), and major league pitcher JR Ritchie. Ritchie could immediately compete for innings in an Angels rotation that could lose either Reid Detmers or José Soriano before the deadline.
The idea of seeing Zach Neto in another uniform is undoubtedly difficult for Angels fans to imagine. He has quickly become one of the organization's most exciting young stars and has been viewed as a foundational piece for years.
However, if multiple contenders with deep farm systems are willing to pay a premium, the Angels should seriously consider the opportunity. Trading Neto would not simply be about moving a talented player. It would be about securing the long-term future of the franchise and providing a clear direction as the organization begins its next chapter.
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