Phillies Already Linked to Massive Trade for Polarizing Slugger

The Philadelphia Phillies clearly need to make some changes following their latest postseason exit, and they are expected to do just that this winter.

But what exactly can the Phillies do?

Philadelphia is tied down with some big contracts, and trading any of those players will prove difficult for varying reasons.

The Phillies are also closely monitoring their payroll, so unless they are able to shed some salary, they might not be major players in free agency.

They could, however, acquire some help via trades, and Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly has identified a potential candidate for the club: Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto.

Neto just completed his fourth season with the Angels, slashing .239/.330/.436 with 27 home runs and 77 RBI over 704 plate appearances. He is under club control through 2029, so it would be a while before Philadelphia would have to pay him big money.

But would Neto actually fit the bill for the Phillies?

While Neto definitely has pop and flashed an impressive walk rate (9.9 percent) this season, he also struck out 215 times, and his polarizing defensive metrics are interesting, to say the least.

While the 25-year-old posted nine defensive runs saved in 2026, he was also seven outs below average, and he registered a minus-3 fielding run value.

Now, I will say that defensive runs saved is generally the better stat for infielders, and outs above average is more preferred for outfielders. But his fielding run value (which some deem the best defensive metric) is concerning, especially because it's been in the negatives every year since he entered the big leagues in 2023.

That being said, Neto's offensive potential is tantalizing.

He owns a lifetime .759 OPS, which is good for a shortstop. He has hit over 25 homers in each of the last two years and totaled 23 long balls in 2024. He has also registered stolen base totals of 30, 26 and 24 the past three seasons, respectively.

Neto would comprise a colossal upgrade over Trea Turner at the position, and considering there has been speculation that Turner could move to the outfield, a move for Neto would make sense for Philadelphia.

The question is whether or not the Phillies actually have the goods to acquire Neto.

Philadelphia's farm system ranks toward the bottom of baseball, and outside of pitcher Gage Wood and shortstop Aidan Miller, there really isn't much there.

I suppose the Phillies can devise a package centered around Miller, but with Neto having so much team control remaining, the Angels might not bite, especially considering Miller missed almost all of 2026 due to a back injury.

Neto would be an interesting get for sure, but I do question just how realistic of a possibility he actually is.