The Boston Red Sox have already been identified as a possible offseason destination for Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto, according to a recent analysis looking ahead to potential winter trades.
CBS Sports writer Mike Axisa included the Red Sox among early candidates who could pursue the young shortstop once the current season ends. The mention comes after Boston made several moves before the 2026 trade deadline but left one key area unaddressed.
The Red Sox acquired catcher Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles in a major deal and also added players such as Curtis Mead, Erik Miller, Jahmai Jones and Eli White. Those transactions strengthened various parts of the roster, yet the club did not land a high-impact shortstop despite being connected to several candidates in the weeks leading up to the deadline.
That unfinished business has prompted speculation that Boston could revisit the shortstop market this winter. Axisa pointed to Neto as one player who might become available, listing the Red Sox alongside the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers as potential landing spots.
“They are two prime-aged players at positions where demand always exceeds supply. The Angels did nice work in a seller’s market at the deadline, and they figure to clean up if they move these two over the winter. Super early possible landing spots: Cardinals, Cubs, Nationals for Detmers; Braves, Red Sox, Tigers for Neto,” Axisa wrote.
Neto, 25, has delivered another solid campaign for the Angels in 2026. Through 111 games he has hit 19 home runs and 21 doubles while driving in 47 runs. The previous season he finished with 26 home runs, 62 RBI and a .257 batting average across 128 games.
Those production numbers would give the Red Sox an additional power bat capable of slotting into the middle of the order. Boston’s lineup has shown flashes of strength this year, but another consistent offensive contributor at a premium position could help the team push deeper into contention.
Equally important is Neto’s remaining club control. He is under contract with the Angels through the 2029 season, meaning any team that acquires him would secure his services for several more years rather than simply adding a short-term rental.
The Red Sox had already shown interest in Neto before the trade deadline, according to earlier reports linking the two sides. That prior interest makes the renewed speculation feel familiar rather than surprising.
For the Angels, dealing a young shortstop of Neto’s caliber would represent a significant move. Los Angeles has been active as a seller in recent months and could look to continue reshaping its roster during the offseason.
From Boston’s perspective, adding a player like Neto would address a clear organizational need. The Red Sox have invested heavily in recent years to build a competitive roster, and securing a long-term solution at shortstop fits that approach.
Whether talks advance remains to be seen, of course. Offseason rumors often shift as teams evaluate their own free-agent options and internal prospects. Still, the early connection between the Red Sox and Neto underscores how Boston continues to be viewed as a possible destination for impact talent this winter.
Fans of both clubs will watch closely as the offseason begins to take shape.
A deal involving Neto would reshape the middle infield for whichever team ultimately lands him and could influence the balance of power in the American League.
