The Boston Red Sox have flipped their season over the past month, concluding a 15-game win streak in Wednesday’s loss to the Baltimore Orioles.
Now emerging as a contender in the American League, Boston could be flipping from sellers to buyers ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. One name that could be heading out of the Red Sox organization is second baseman Marcelo Mayer.
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto is seen as a “strong fit” for the Red Sox, wrote The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. In a potential trade, Marcelo Mayer could be heading to Los Angeles.
“The Angels almost certainly would want multiple young players in return for Neto,” Rosenthal said. “Marcelo Mayer, who opened the season as the Red Sox’s starting second baseman, conceivably could be one of them.”
Marcelo Mayer is Looking at a Demotion in the Future
GettyOnce returning from the 10-day IL with a stress reaction in his left forearm, Red Sox second baseman Marcelo Mayer could be getting demoted to Triple-A, said The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Marcelo Mayer was placed on the 10-day injured list in late June. The 2021 No. 4 overall pick suffered a bone stress reaction in his left forearm.
Mayer played through the injury for nearly two months, the 23-year-old told MLB.com’s Ian Browne.
He’s been cleared to start hitting progression, said the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey earlier this week. He is still “weeks away” from a return.
Once Mayer returns, “it is possible the Red Sox will demote him to Triple-A,” Ken Rosenthal said.
Mayer made the Opening Day roster for Boston at second base, but hasn’t shown much progress in his game. Before suffering the stress reaction to his forearm, Mayer was hitting .220/.282/.312 with three home runs, 22 RBI, and three stolen bases.
He transitioned to third base after Trevor Story went to the injured list with a sports hernia injury in May.
More Information on the Red Sox’s Interest in the Angels’ Zach Neto
GettyLos Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto is a trade candidate in the final days leading up ot the MLB’s trade deadline. The Boston Red Sox are a potential suitor for the 25-year-old. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
The Red Sox’s interest in Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto has gone as far back as the 2025 season. Despite the interest, trade talks didn’t develop.
Boston is looking to upgrade the interior of their infield with both Marcelo Mayer and Trevor Story missing significant time.
It’s unclear if the Angels are interested in moving the 25-year-old, Ken Rosenthal said. Neto will earn $4.15 million this season and is under club control through 2029.
Zach Neto has missed just three games for the Angels this season. He’s a durable infielder who offers speed and a hard-hitting bat on offense. Through 100 games this season, he’s hitting .238/.326/.446 with 19 home runs, 46 RBI, and 13 stolen bases.
Boston could look to change their mindset at the trade deadline following their 15-game win streak. Zach Neto looks to be a top target while competing in the AL East.
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