The New York Yankees may turn to the trade market to address their serious shortstop uncertainty.
Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero have been splitting time at shortstop, but it’s unclear if either is a long-term solution. In light of this, Sporting News MLB expert Billy Heyen advises the Yankees to try to acquire Zach Neto from the Los Angeles Angels.
“The New York Yankees have an uncertain future at short, too, although they have more options with Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero, along with rising prospect George Lombard Jr. Neto would be intriguing as a player under club control for three years after this one,” Heyen wrote. “That would make his trade cost higher, but it would also make him a more exciting acquisition for a new team. And if Neto is on the block come July, he’ll be the type of guy who can determine the World Series champion if he ends up in the right place.”
It would be expensive to get Neto because he is one of the best young players in MLB. However, he might be the Yankees’ shortstop for the ensuing ten years, securing the job. He would bring another impact bat to the lineup because he also hits the ball well.
This season, Neto has 13 home runs, 32 RBIs, and a batting percentage of.229.
Neto Could be on Trade Block
Neto has been included in trade rumors despite being an important member of the Angels club.
Before the August 3 deadline, the Angels will be selling, and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand identified Neto as a possible trade possibility.
Feinsand stated, “The Angels may be in position to start a rebuild with the worst record in the American League and no real hope of turning things around.” “It may seem odd to sell a 25-year-old shortstop, but Los Angeles doesn’t have many trade chips to cash in, so moving Neto might be essential to bringing back a haul of young players.
In addition to earning $4.5 million this season, Neto is eligible for arbitration for three more years, providing the kind of control that teams desire. Although Neto’s defense has been subpar this season (-10 Outs Above Average), he has seven home runs, 14 RBIs, and a.921 OPS during his last 23 games.
Neto would be in great demand and provide the Angels with a huge return as he would be under team control for three and a half more seasons.
Yankees Have Question Mark on Shortstop
Volpe and Caballero are New York’s shortstop options, but neither is a long-term fix.
However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated that both are healthy and have earned to play, making their choices difficult.
Boone remarked of his two shortstops, “They both, in a lot of ways, deserve to be playing there.” “We’ll keep trying to do what’s best for the squad. I have a great deal of faith in him and Cabby to do well on the field. We must continue doing this now. However, I enjoy what I’m observing.
The Yankees have a 41-26 record going into play on June 12.
