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Zach Neto is one of the Los Angeles Angels' best players.
As this season's trade deadline approaches, though, don't be surprised if Neto's name is involved in rumors. A top shortstop on the block could command a big return.
The Angels wouldn't necessarily love to trade Neto, but this season's team isn't going anywhere, and maybe the prospect haul they'd get in return for the star shortstop would be worth it in the long haul.
That's what MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is thinking in a new article on Friday.
"With the worst record in the American League and no real hope of turning things around, the Angels may be in position to embark on a rebuild," Feinsand writes. "Trading a 25-year-old shortstop might seem counterintuitive, but Los Angeles doesn’t have a ton of trade chips to cash in, so moving Neto might be a key to bringing back a haul of young players. Neto is earning $4.5 million this season, but is arbitration-eligible for three more years, offering the type of control teams covet. Over his past 23 games, Neto has seven home runs, 14 RBIs and a .921 OPS, though his defense has been poor this season (-10 Outs Above Average)."
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If Neto does go on the block, keep an eye on the AL East Division.
The Tampa Bay Rays are getting no offensive production whatsoever out of the shortstop position and could use an upgrade.
The New York Yankees have an uncertain future at short, too, although they have more options with Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero, along with rising prospect George Lombard Jr.
Neto would be intriguing as a player under club control for three years after this one. That would make his trade cost higher, but it would also make him a more exciting acquisition for a new team.
And if Neto is on the block come July, he'll be the type of guy who can determine the World Series champion if he ends up in the right place.
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