Imagine this: the Boston Red Sox, desperate to bolster their infield, were reportedly eyeing a major league star before settling on a promising young talent. But here's where it gets controversial – they had their sights set on Zach Neto, the Los Angeles Angels' powerhouse infielder, before ultimately trading for Caleb Durbin. Could Neto have been the game-changer Boston needed, or did they make the right call with Durbin? Let’s dive in.
The Red Sox’s quest for infield reinforcement has been no secret. After losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs in free agency, Boston needed a reliable third baseman. Enter Caleb Durbin, acquired in a blockbuster deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. Durbin, a versatile young infielder, fits the bill for now. But this is the part most people miss – before landing Durbin, the Red Sox reportedly made multiple attempts to secure Zach Neto, according to insider Sean McAdam of MassLive.
McAdam revealed, ‘With Marte off the market, the Red Sox took several shots at acquiring Zach Neto from the Angels.’ Neto, 25, is a defensive standout with serious power, having smashed 49 home runs over the past two seasons. His ability to play shortstop, second, or third base would have given Boston incredible flexibility, especially with Trevor Story’s contract looming. However, the Angels’ asking price was sky-high, and the deal never materialized.
Here’s the kicker: Neto is under team control until 2029, making him a potential cornerstone for any franchise. His .257 batting average, 26 home runs, and 62 RBIs last season speak volumes about his impact. Drafted 13th overall in 2022, Neto is a rising star the Angels were unwilling to part with. Bold question: Did the Angels make the right call holding onto Neto, or should they have cashed in on his value?
While the Red Sox missed out on Neto, they still secured Durbin, who is under team control through 2031 and offers positional versatility. In his rookie season, Durbin hit .256 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs, showing promise for the future. But let’s be real – is Durbin the long-term solution Boston needs, or just a stopgap?
As the Red Sox prepare to kick off their 2026 MLB season on March 26 against the Cincinnati Reds, fans are left wondering: What could have been with Neto in the lineup? And is Durbin enough to fill the void left by Bregman? What do you think? Did the Red Sox make the right move, or should they have pushed harder for Neto? Let’s debate in the comments!
