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Even though the Miami Marlins are on their way to losing their eighth consecutive game and falling out of the National League playoff picture, there continues to be discussion about whether the club will be buyers or sellers ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline.
If, in fact, the Marlins decide to make an aggressive move before the trade deadline, few players would fit their long-term vision better than Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto.
Now, of course, Neto, 25, a Miami native, would likely need to switch infield positions, given that Otto Lopez has established himself at shortstop.
While there is no indication the Angels are actively shopping Neto, reports say they are "at the very least listening" to trade offers for him.
He embodies exactly the type of player Miami president of baseball operations Peter Bendix has prioritized since taking over the organization in 2023: young, athletic, versatile, and under team control for years to come.
Neto has quietly emerged as one of the American League's most complete young infielders this season, hitting 19 home runs with 46 RBIs.
Miami’s interest in a player like Neto would also make sense because of the uncertainty surrounding its current infield situation, aside from Lopez and second baseman Xavier Edwards.
The Marlins entered the season hoping players such as Connor Norby and Graham Pauley could emerge as reliable offensive contributors, but both have struggled to find consistency at the plate, with Norby currently playing for Triple-A Jacksonville.
A potential trade package centered around Norby and Pauley could make sense from a roster-building perspective.
While both players still have upside, the Marlins would be swapping projection for certainty by acquiring someone like Neto.
Instead of waiting for multiple prospects to develop into everyday players, Miami would add an established young star who could anchor the infield for years.
The only tricky part is this: Neto would have to be comfortable switching from shortstop to either third base or first base, with Miami platooning players all season long at both corner spots.
Miami has seen positive results from giving players opportunities outside their traditional positions, most notably with Lopez and Edwards.
Pulling Neto away from an Angels squad that isn’t playing for anything significant in 2026 would require a huge offer, nonetheless.
Young, productive players with years of team control rarely become available. But if Miami wants to build a sustainable contender, Neto represents exactly the type of player worth pursuing.
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If, in fact, the Marlins decide to make an aggressive move before the trade deadline, few players would fit their long-term vision better than Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto.
Now, of course, Neto, 25, a Miami native, would likely need to switch infield positions, given that Otto Lopez has established himself at shortstop.
While there is no indication the Angels are actively shopping Neto, reports say they are "at the very least listening" to trade offers for him.
He embodies exactly the type of player Miami president of baseball operations Peter Bendix has prioritized since taking over the organization in 2023: young, athletic, versatile, and under team control for years to come.
Neto has quietly emerged as one of the American League's most complete young infielders this season, hitting 19 home runs with 46 RBIs.
Miami’s interest in a player like Neto would also make sense because of the uncertainty surrounding its current infield situation, aside from Lopez and second baseman Xavier Edwards.
The Marlins entered the season hoping players such as Connor Norby and Graham Pauley could emerge as reliable offensive contributors, but both have struggled to find consistency at the plate, with Norby currently playing for Triple-A Jacksonville.
A potential trade package centered around Norby and Pauley could make sense from a roster-building perspective.
While both players still have upside, the Marlins would be swapping projection for certainty by acquiring someone like Neto.
Instead of waiting for multiple prospects to develop into everyday players, Miami would add an established young star who could anchor the infield for years.
The only tricky part is this: Neto would have to be comfortable switching from shortstop to either third base or first base, with Miami platooning players all season long at both corner spots.
Miami has seen positive results from giving players opportunities outside their traditional positions, most notably with Lopez and Edwards.
Pulling Neto away from an Angels squad that isn’t playing for anything significant in 2026 would require a huge offer, nonetheless.
Young, productive players with years of team control rarely become available. But if Miami wants to build a sustainable contender, Neto represents exactly the type of player worth pursuing.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
