Red Sox Eye Aggressive Deadline as Passan Foresees Buy-Mode

Boston’s 52-48 record and a six-game win streak have the Red Sox in buy mode ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. ESPN’s Jeff Passan predicted the Sox will be aggressive and even highlighted Angels shortstop Zach Neto as a potential target, a bat with power who could spark the middle of the lineup. Neto’s 20+ home runs in three straight seasons and 69 runs scored are appealing, but his high strikeouts and 14 errors are drawbacks. With Tsung-Che Cheng not offering power, Boston could pursue a true shortstop upgrade or another impactful right-hander; a blockbuster-like move remains to be seen, but a power-focused addition could bolster their playoff push.