We now know why Twins didn't trade for Angels' Zach Neto

The Minnesota Twins are one of Major League Baseball's top surprises in 2026. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Twins are just 1.5 games back of the Texas Rangers for the third and final Wild Card spot. 

This comes just one year after the AL Central organization had one of MLB's biggest fire sales in history, trading away 11 players at the deadline. 

Minnesota was a buyer this summer, bolstering its pitching staff with the additions of closer Jeff Hoffman, reliever A.J. Minter, and starter Dean Kremer. 

However, the Twins kept their eye on possible external position player additions, including a starting shortstop from the Los Angeles Angels. 

Twins had interest in Angels' Zach Neto 

"Yes, the Twins expressed interest in Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto, a player they've been intrigued by for multiple seasons," The Athletic's Dan Hayes wrote. "Yet the timing of a national report Monday noting the Twins were all over Neto arrived a few days late." 

It appears the Twins have had their eyes set on Neto for quite some time. The 25-year-old is on pace for his third consecutive 20-20 season and has a .721 OPS and 2.3 bWAR in 116 games. 

MORE: Dave Dombrowski reveals why Phillies didn't trade for a righty-hitting outfielder

If the two sides were able to reach an agreement, the Twins would've had Neto as their starting shortstop for at least the next three seasons. He will reach free agency in 2030. 

"The Twins reached out to Los Angeles before the weekend began to see if that team's front office would be open to dealing Neto only to discover it would cost more than they were comfortable paying," Hayes added. "Neto wasn't moved at the deadline." 

The Angels' asking price was too high for the Twins, but they could reach out again during the offseason if Minnesota's interest remains. 

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