The Atlanta Braves appear headed toward yet another offseason in which the shortstop position is a major concern. This has become a recurring issue for the organization, and despite several attempts to stabilize the spot, there still isn’t a clear long-term answer. Entering the next offseason, Atlanta will once again need to carefully evaluate its options and determine the best path forward to solidify one of the most important positions on the field.
Much of the uncertainty stems from the underwhelming performance of Ha-Seong Kim throughout the 2026 campaign. After being brought in with the expectation that he could provide stability and two-way value, Kim has struggled to meet those expectations.
His offensive production, in particular, has been a disappointment, and his inconsistency has made it difficult for the Braves to rely on him as an everyday solution. Reports during the season even highlighted how he was frequently rotated out of the lineup due to his struggles at the plate, underscoring the lack of confidence in his performance. (Battery Power)
Despite Kim’s difficulties, the Braves have managed to stay afloat at the position thanks to the contributions of Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo. Both players have proven to be valuable additions, stepping in and delivering solid performances when called upon.
Dubón’s versatility has allowed him to move around the field while still providing dependable defense and timely hitting, while Mateo’s speed and athleticism have added another dimension to the lineup. Their efforts have helped mask some of the issues at shortstop, but neither player is necessarily viewed as a guaranteed long-term answer.
MORE: Cardinals officially Make perfect trade offer for Nationals’ shortstop
Looking ahead, there is a possibility that either Dubón or Mateo could remain with the team next season. However, that outcome is far from certain. Roster decisions, contract considerations, and overall team strategy will all play a role in determining whether either player returns. Even if one of them does come back, the Braves may still prefer to pursue a more permanent solution rather than relying on a short-term patchwork approach.
Another factor complicating the situation is the presence of young prospects within the organization. The Braves do have a few developing players who could eventually take over at shortstop, but as is often the case in baseball, prospect development is unpredictable and rarely happens on a strict timeline. Young players need time to refine their skills, adjust to higher levels of competition, and prove they are ready for the demands of the major leagues. Rushing that process could hinder their growth, so the Braves may choose to be patient rather than forcing a promotion too soon.
Because of this, Atlanta’s front office could explore external options to bridge the gap until those prospects are fully prepared. One logical approach would be to pursue a trade for a player who can provide stability over the next few seasons without necessarily blocking the long-term development of younger talent. This type of move would allow the Braves to remain competitive in the short term while still keeping an eye on the future.
One potential candidate who fits that description is Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto. While Neto has not had a standout season in 2026, he has shown glimpses of the ability that made him an intriguing player earlier in his career.
His overall numbers may not jump off the page this year, but flashes of offensive production and defensive capability suggest there is still upside to be unlocked. For a team like the Braves, that combination of potential and affordability could make him an appealing trade target.
Acquiring a player like Neto would not necessarily solve all of Atlanta’s issues at shortstop, but it could provide a reliable stopgap solution. He could step into a regular role, offer steady production, and give the organization time to evaluate its internal options without feeling pressured to rush a prospect to the majors.
MORE: Braves Officially Confirmed Cut of All-Star Catcher
Additionally, if Neto were to rediscover his best form, he could even exceed expectations and become a more permanent fixture in the lineup.
Ultimately, the Braves are in a position where they must balance immediate needs with long-term planning. The lack of a clear answer at shortstop makes it one of the team’s top priorities heading into the offseason. Whether they choose to stick with internal options like Dubón or Mateo, wait on their prospects, or pursue a trade target like Neto, the decision will have a significant impact on the team’s direction moving forward.
In many ways, this situation reflects the broader challenge of roster construction in Major League Baseball. Teams must constantly weigh performance, potential, cost, and timing when making decisions, and the Braves are no exception. As they evaluate their shortstop situation, they will need to carefully consider all of these factors to ensure they find a solution that not only addresses their current needs but also sets them up for sustained success in the years to come.
Braves could try to trade for Angels shortstop Zach Neto as a stopgap option
There are several compelling reasons to believe the Los Angeles Angels might be willing to move on from Zach Neto if the right trade offer comes along. The team currently finds itself at the bottom of the American League West standings, which often signals a franchise in need of change or retooling. When a club is struggling to compete, it frequently becomes more open to dealing players—especially those who still hold value—in exchange for assets that could help accelerate a rebuild or reshape the roster.
Another key factor influencing Neto’s potential availability is the organization’s recent promotion of highly regarded prospect Denzer Guzman. Guzman, a natural shortstop with significant upside, represents a possible long-term solution at the position. His arrival creates a situation where the Angels now have multiple options at shortstop, which can lead to redundancy.
MORE: Angels Confirmed to Cut All-Star Infielder
When a younger, high-ceiling player begins pushing for playing time, it often makes a more established player expendable—particularly if that player can bring back meaningful value in a trade. In this context, Neto could become a logical candidate to move, not necessarily because the Angels are dissatisfied with him, but because they may want to create space for Guzman’s development.
Looking at Neto’s performance in the 2026 season, it’s clear that his offensive output has been somewhat uneven. Over the course of the year, he has posted a batting average hovering around the low .230 range, which aligns with publicly available statistics showing him at approximately .230–.233 for the season. (MLB.com) His slash line reflects a player who has not consistently produced at a high level in terms of batting average, though he has still managed to contribute in other areas.
Across roughly 200-plus at-bats, he has delivered double-digit home runs and a respectable OPS in the mid-.700s range, indicating that while he may not be a pure contact hitter, he still offers some power and on-base ability. (MLB.com)
Breaking down his production further, Neto has accumulated a solid mix of hits, including doubles and home runs, along with a moderate number of runs batted in. His overall OPS suggests that he remains a somewhat productive offensive player despite his struggles with consistency.
However, the primary issue dragging down his batting average is his tendency to strike out at a high rate. In fact, he has been among the league leaders in strikeouts during the 2026 season, a statistic that underscores one of the biggest concerns in his offensive profile. (MLB.com)
This high strikeout rate is tied closely to underlying issues in his approach at the plate. Neto has shown a tendency to swing and miss frequently, particularly when facing non-fastball pitches. His struggles with pitch recognition—especially against breaking balls and offspeed offerings—have contributed significantly to his inconsistencies.
While he handles fastballs relatively well, producing a noticeably stronger batting average against them, his numbers drop sharply when pitchers mix in secondary pitches. This imbalance makes him more vulnerable against advanced pitching, as opponents can exploit those weaknesses by avoiding fastballs in key situations.
MORE: Atlanta Braves Consider Perfect Trade for Cardinals’ Relief Pitcher
Despite these concerns, there are also several encouraging aspects of Neto’s offensive profile that suggest he still possesses considerable upside. Advanced metrics paint a more optimistic picture of his abilities. His walk rate, for example, is quite strong, indicating that he has a solid understanding of the strike zone and is capable of drawing free passes.
Additionally, his barrel rate—an indicator of how often he makes high-quality contact—is impressive, placing him among the better hitters in that category. Similarly, his launch angle metrics suggest that he is consistently making contact in a way that can generate power, which helps explain his home run totals despite a relatively modest batting average.
These underlying numbers highlight an important point: Neto’s struggles are not necessarily due to a lack of talent, but rather inconsistencies in execution. If he can improve his ability to handle breaking and offspeed pitches, his overall offensive production could take a significant step forward. Even modest improvements in contact rate could lead to a noticeable increase in batting average, which would, in turn, elevate his overall value as a hitter.
On the defensive side of the ball, Neto presents a mixed profile. He possesses a strong throwing arm, which is a valuable asset for a shortstop and allows him to make difficult plays across the diamond. However, his range has been a notable weakness.
Advanced defensive metrics indicate that he has struggled to cover ground effectively, with a negative Outs Above Average (OAA) figure that ranks among the lower tier of defenders at his position. This suggests that while he can make the plays he reaches, he may not be getting to as many balls as an above-average shortstop would.
MORE: Cardinals to part ways with beloved outfielder Lars Nootbaar
For a team evaluating him as a potential acquisition, this defensive inconsistency would be an important consideration. However, it is not necessarily a dealbreaker. Defensive skills can sometimes be improved through coaching, positioning adjustments, and experience. Alternatively, a team could consider shifting Neto to a different position—such as second base—where his arm strength would still be useful and his range limitations might be less exposed.
Another major factor influencing Neto’s trade value is his contract situation. He is currently earning a relatively modest salary, and he remains under team control through multiple arbitration years extending into the latter part of the decade.
This level of cost control is extremely valuable in today’s game, as it allows a team to retain a productive player at a reasonable price for several seasons. For a team like the Atlanta Braves, this could make Neto particularly appealing, as it would provide both short-term stability and longer-term flexibility without requiring a massive financial commitment.
However, that same affordability and control also increase his trade value, meaning the Angels would likely demand a significant return in any deal. The acquiring team would need to weigh whether Neto’s potential upside justifies the cost, especially when considering how he might fit into their long-term plans.
For the Braves specifically, acquiring Neto could present both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, he could serve as a bridge player, filling the shortstop position until the organization’s top prospects are ready to take over.
On the other hand, bringing in a controllable player like Neto could complicate the development timeline of those prospects. Players such as Alex Lodise, Tate Southisene, and John Gil are all potential future options at shortstop, and adding Neto to the roster could limit their path to the major leagues.
That said, those same prospects could also become key pieces in a potential trade package. If the Braves view Neto as a worthwhile investment, they might be willing to part with one or more young players to secure him.
This creates an interesting dynamic where Neto’s value is tied not only to his current performance, but also to how teams project his future development and how he fits into their broader organizational strategy.
In the end, Neto represents a classic case of a player with both clear strengths and notable weaknesses. His power, plate discipline, and underlying metrics suggest a player with significant upside, while his strikeout issues and defensive limitations raise legitimate concerns.
For a team willing to bet on his development, he could become a valuable contributor. For the Angels, his situation—combined with their current standing and emerging talent—makes him a realistic trade candidate if the right opportunity arises.
Be the first to comment