The Boston Red Sox view Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto as a strong fit for their team, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report.
The Red Sox were linked to Neto last offseason, though discussions between the front offices didn't advance past the preliminary stages, Rosenthal and Sammon add.
It was also reported earlier Thursday by Jon Heyman of the New York Post that "word has allegedly come down from above to shop Neto." The Angels are being run by interim general manager John Mozeliak after firing Perry Minasian in June.
Neto would beef up the infield for a red-hot Red Sox team that saw a 15-game winning streak end Wednesday night. The 25-year-old shortstop is batting .238/.326/.446 with 19 home runs, 46 RBIs, and an MLB-high 141 strikeouts in 100 games. He is under control for three more years after 2026.
Trevor Story opened the season as Boston's starting shortstop but is on the 60-day injured list due to a sports hernia. The veteran, who could begin a rehab assignment in August, batted .206 with 57 strikeouts and three home runs over 41 games prior to his injury.
The 52-49 Red Sox are 6.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the lead in the AL East. The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 3.
