The Braves are exploring options to upgrade their shortstop position, and Zach Neto from the Angels has emerged as a potential target in trade discussions.
Atlanta’s been patching things together at short all season. The experiment with Ha-Seong Kim hasn’t worked out, and they’ve cycled through Jorge Mateo, Mauricio Dubon, and Jim Jarvis trying to find something that sticks.
“Aside from the first half of the 2023 season when Orlando Arcia was a surprise All-Star before regressing, the Braves have not had a legitimate everyday shortstop since Dansby Swanson left town,” Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote Tuesday.
That’s where Neto comes in. The 23-year-old is putting together his third 20/20 season in four MLB years, though his defense remains a work in progress. He’s posted minus-9 outs above average at shortstop this year.
Reuter’s proposed deal would send significant prospect capital to Los Angeles:
- Braves Receive: SS Zach Neto
- Angels Receive: RHP JR Ritchie, OF Eric Hartman, RHP Owen Murphy, OF Diego Tornes, INF Jim Jarvis
But here’s the thing – Atlanta might have bigger priorities.
“Shortstop has not been a strength, but the Braves have managed to patch things together. The bigger need might be another frontline starting pitcher to anchor the playoff rotation alongside Chris Sale, and they only have so many bullets to spend from a thin farm system,” Reuter added.
That’s the dilemma facing the front office. Neto would clearly upgrade the offense at shortstop, but using five prospects for that position might not be the best allocation of resources.
The way I see it, Atlanta’s farm system isn’t deep enough to make multiple big moves. They may be better off targeting a frontline starter with those same prospects and addressing shortstop through a smaller move or waiting until the offseason.
All things considered, the Braves seem to be weighing their options carefully as the deadline approaches.
