Red Sox may have to walk away from Zach Neto if Angels demand Franklin Arias at trade deadline

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The Boston Red Sox made some noise when they started the trade deadline a week before the actual date, sending Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals for Curtis Mead. Now, it looks like they aren’t stopping anytime soon either.

However, who they get is still a question mark. One of their top targets is Los Angeles Angels slugger Zach Neto, but he might be out of their price range now.

Neto would play well in Boston

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Without cost in mind, Neto would be a solid-to-great fit in the Red Sox offense. This season, he’s slashing .234/.323/.441/.764 with 21 doubles, 19 home runs, and 46 RBI in 103 games played.

While his average is a little low, his heavy pull tendency on a right-handed swing would play very well in Fenway Park, as he could raise his average by slamming singles and doubles into the Green Monster in left field. Overall, Neto profiles as a great hitter for Boston, and that’s exactly why his fee might be too high.

Neto’s price might be too great

Now, the Angels know Neto would be perfect in Boston, which contributes to raising his price. Combine that with the three and a half years of control left on his contract, and Los Angeles could ask the moon for Neto.

According to the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, that means if Boston wants Neto, they have to give up their No. 1 prospect and No. 7 in the Top 100, Franklin Arias. Arias has an MVP-level ceiling, as he is a great hitter, and plays great defense at shortstop, which is also Neto’s position. And with the fact that he’s so close to the MLB, the Red Sox should be adverse to trading him.

How Boston could swing it

Now, the Red Sox could still pursue Neto, and just try to use a different avenue. The Sox could sell Marcelo Mayer, Jarren Duran, or many of their other prospects, save Arias and Anthony Eyanson.

As for where he’d play, Neto’s defense is pretty bad, so they could decide to make him the full-time DH if they were to acquire him, and make Masataka Yoshida the everyday left fielder until Roman Anthony’s return.

In the end, Neto would be a great addition to Boston’s squad, but if his price includes Arias or no deal, then no deal it is.

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