The Los Angeles Dodgers have several important decisions to make before the MLB Trade Deadline arrives at 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 3.

One of the biggest questions facing the front office is how aggressively the organization wants to approach the deadline. Los Angeles could pursue another marquee player or focus instead on adding complementary pieces to strengthen the roster’s depth.

Multiple reports have suggested the Dodgers are unlikely to make a blockbuster move. However, given the organization’s prospect depth and financial flexibility, the possibility of a surprise acquisition cannot be dismissed.

One unexpected name has now entered the conversation.

According to Jeff Passan from ESPN, the Dodgers could become involved in the trade market for Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto.

Speaking on his podcast, Sources Tell Jeff Passan, Passan suggested Neto may ultimately become the best player moved before the deadline.

Passan said the Dodgers. New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies could all pursue the 25-year-old player. He also noted that Neto remains under team control through the 2030 season. This makes him especially valuable in a market with very few impact position players available.

Because of that combination of production and long-term control, Passan believes the Angels would seek a massive return in any trade.

“I think by the end of this deadline, Zach Neto might be the best player traded, and all the big markets could be in on this: the Yankees, the Dodgers, the Red Sox, even the Phillies,” Passan said.

“Neto’s under control through the 2030 season, and that is a lot of control for a guy who has been nothing but productive. The Angels are going to want to hit a home run on this, and considering the paucity of bats on the market, I think they very well could.”

Neto has not previously been linked to the Dodgers, making the report particularly intriguing.

It also raises an obvious question regarding his role.

Los Angeles currently has Tommy Edman at second base and Mookie Betts at shortstop. Moving Betts away from shortstop would come as a surprise, meaning Edman could shift back to the outfield if the Dodgers were to acquire Neto.

Particularly if Alex Call is moved before the deadline, as recent rumors have suggested.

The Dodgers may simply view Neto as a rare opportunity to acquire a young cornerstone player with years of contractual control remaining.

Sometimes talent outweighs positional fit.

Neto has emerged as one of the Angels’ brightest young players over the last several seasons.

This year, he is hitting .232 with 19 home runs, 46 RBIs, and a .757 OPS in 106 games. He has also reached at least 23 home runs in each of the previous two seasons and is on pace to accomplish that again in 2026.

Although he has graded as a below-average defensive shortstop, his athleticism gives him the flexibility to potentially handle another position if necessary.

Neto’s appeal extends well beyond his statistics. He plays with confidence, energy, and an aggressive style that can influence a game in multiple ways.

His combination of athleticism and competitiveness allows him to create pressure on opposing defenses. And his willingness to play with intensity has made him one of the Angels’ emerging leaders despite his age.

He also possesses the type of long-term upside that contenders rarely find at the trade deadline. Rather than acquiring a short-term rental, an organization would be investing in a player who could remain an important part of its core for years.

For a Dodgers team constantly balancing World Series aspirations with sustained success, those qualities make Neto an exceptionally intriguing target.