The Boston Red Sox want Zach Neto. Whether they can afford him is a different question.
Neto, a slugging shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels, has emerged as one of Boston's top trade deadline targets. This season he is slashing .234/.323/.441/.764 with 21 doubles, 19 home runs, and 46 RBI in 103 games, according to a report from The Sporting News via Yahoo Sports. His pull-heavy right-handed swing would fit especially well at Fenway Park, where balls driven to left field have a way of turning into hits off the Green Monster.
The problem is the price.
The Angels know Neto is a strong fit in Boston, which has helped drive up his value. He also has three and a half years of control remaining on his contract, giving Los Angeles significant leverage. According to Boston Globe reporter Alex Speier, if the Red Sox want Neto, they may have to include Franklin Arias, their top prospect and No. 7 in the Top 100.
That is a steep ask. Arias carries an MVP-level ceiling, plays strong defense at shortstop, and is close enough to the major leagues that trading him would cost Boston both now and later. Shortstop is also Neto's position, which makes the exchange even more complicated.
The Red Sox are not without options. They could pursue Neto through a different package, potentially including outfielder Jarren Duran, infield prospect Marcelo Mayer, or other players outside Arias and Anthony Eyanson. Boston could also make Neto a full-time designated hitter if acquired, sliding Masataka Yoshida into left field until Roman Anthony returns.
The Red Sox have already been active before the official deadline. They sent Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Curtis Mead, a move that gave the team added offensive pop. According to Yahoo Sports, the Curtis Mead acquisition has already drawn positive reviews, and Boston is widely expected to make additional moves before the deadline closes.
Whether Neto is part of those moves depends on how far each side is willing to bend. If the Angels hold firm on Arias, The Sporting News report suggests Boston's answer will simply be no deal.
The MLB trade deadline gives both sides a hard stop. For now, the Red Sox and Angels remain in talks, and the outcome will depend on which team blinks first.