Red Sox Miss Out on Neto, Go with Durbin Instead
The Boston Red Sox reportedly pursued a highly coveted shortstop this offseason, but ultimately settled for a more modest acquisition. Los Angeles Angels' 25-year-old Zach Neto was the target, but according to industry sources, the two teams were unable to come to terms.
Neto, who has posted back-to-back 20-20 seasons, is a plus defender with power and could have fit into the Red Sox's infield seamlessly. However, the Angels set a high bar for the return, making it difficult for Boston to match.
In contrast, the Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin, a third baseman and second baseman, as part of a six-player trade with the Brewers. While Durbin is not without his skills, he may not be the long-term solution the Red Sox were looking for at shortstop.
The decision highlights the Red Sox's priorities during the offseason. Instead of investing in blue-chip prospects or established talent, they opted to go with a more versatile player like Durbin. The team is set with Marcelo Mayer at second base and Trevor Story at shortstop, but it remains to be seen how long that lineup will hold up.
One could argue that the price for Neto might be comparable to what the Red Sox would have given up to trade for Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte, a more established All-Star talent. However, Neto's seven years of team control and cheaper contract make him an attractive alternative. Ultimately, the Red Sox will need to determine whether Durbin's skills are enough to fill the gap left by their pursuit of Neto.
The Boston Red Sox reportedly pursued a highly coveted shortstop this offseason, but ultimately settled for a more modest acquisition. Los Angeles Angels' 25-year-old Zach Neto was the target, but according to industry sources, the two teams were unable to come to terms.
Neto, who has posted back-to-back 20-20 seasons, is a plus defender with power and could have fit into the Red Sox's infield seamlessly. However, the Angels set a high bar for the return, making it difficult for Boston to match.
In contrast, the Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin, a third baseman and second baseman, as part of a six-player trade with the Brewers. While Durbin is not without his skills, he may not be the long-term solution the Red Sox were looking for at shortstop.
The decision highlights the Red Sox's priorities during the offseason. Instead of investing in blue-chip prospects or established talent, they opted to go with a more versatile player like Durbin. The team is set with Marcelo Mayer at second base and Trevor Story at shortstop, but it remains to be seen how long that lineup will hold up.
One could argue that the price for Neto might be comparable to what the Red Sox would have given up to trade for Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte, a more established All-Star talent. However, Neto's seven years of team control and cheaper contract make him an attractive alternative. Ultimately, the Red Sox will need to determine whether Durbin's skills are enough to fill the gap left by their pursuit of Neto.
durbin's skills r definitely there, but i dont know if he can step up as the primary shortstop for a playoff contender...
. They really went all out for Zach Neto and just couldn't make it work 
. On the other hand, I think Caleb Durbin is a solid addition to their team 
. He might not be the answer at shortstop long-term, but he can definitely help them out in a pinch 
️. The thing is, Neto would've been a huge upgrade for years to come, and now they're basically waiting to see how Trevor Story holds up 
. Still, I think it's cool that the Red Sox are going with a more versatile player like Durbin – it's all about finding those sneaky good deals 
!
they had a shot at getting this talented shortstop and now they're stuck with Caleb Durbin? idk, man, Neto was like the ultimate 20-20 guy and would've fit right into their lineup 
.
. and yeah, Durbin is cool and all, but he's no Neto 
. we'll have to see how this plays out in the regular season 
.
. Caleb Durbin's cool and all, but come on, he's not even on my radar for 2nd base or shortstop 
. I'm still salty about what could've been... Neto was gonna make that Red Sox team go all the way 
don't get me wrong, Durbin can play multiple positions but is he really gonna fill the void at shortstop? 