Phillies reportedly have had trade talks with Angels over .757 OPS shortstop originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies are in a bit of a free-fall since the All-Star break. Things are not going well at all, and this team desperately needs help at the trade deadline.
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While the starting rotation and bullpen need help in a bad way, the real need is with the lineup. It’s been a rough offensive showing this season, and they desperately need better firepower, especially from the right side of the plate.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on SportsCenter that the Phillies are showing serious interest in Los Angeles Angels right-handed hitting shortstop Zach Neto, already having trade talks about the young infielder in what could be a very fascinating acquisition.
“They’ve had conversations with the Los Angeles Angels about Zach Neto, who, you say, Trea Turner is a shortstop already, Trea Turner might not be at shortstop long-term, and having a guy of Zach Neto’s caliber not just with his glove, but especially with the bat, with the power, would really help that lineup,” Passan said.
Neto is a 25-year-old shortstop from the Angels who is under club control through the 2029 season. He’d be the Phillies new shortstop for the next 3.5 seasons if they could pull off such a deal.
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But if they add Neto, the Phillies will need to move Trea Turner from his spot at shortstop, which, all things considered, would probably be a good thing. He’s struggled there defensively this season, and moving him to the outfield or second base would work.
MORE: Red Sox ‘would love‘ to trade for Angels‘ Zach Neto or Astros‘ Jeremy Pena
Adding Neto, who has a .757 OPS this season with 21 doubles, 19 home runs, 97 hits, and 2.8 bWAR (which would be the most of any Phillies position player this season), would be a significant trade for the Phillies.
Dave Dombrowski would have to part with some very talented prospects, likely sending Gage Wood and/or Ramon Marquez to get such a deal across the finish line. Francisco Renteria or Aidan Miller might even have to be included as well.
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A trade for Neto will cost a fortune, and the fit on the roster is very fascinating. But there’s no denying that he would be an upgrade both offensively and defensively for the Phillies.
This is one potential trade that Phillies fans should keep their eyes on, as Neto to Philadelphia seems to be a fairly realistic possibility, even at the steep price tag for such a deal.
