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Zach Neto Declares Loyalty to Angels Amid Trade Speculation: 'I Want to Stay Here'
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- Zach Neto Declares Loyalty to Angels Amid Trade Speculation: 'I Want to Stay Here'
Zach Neto has made his preference clear amid continued speculation about his future with the Los Angeles Angels.
The shortstop addressed the trade talk during an interview with MLB Network, expressing a desire to remain with the organization and help turn the franchise around rather than seek a move to a contender.
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"I'm very loyal and I want to stay here. I want to be able to flip this thing around for the team," Neto said.
Neto's comments come as the Angels continue to build around a young core while sitting well outside the American League playoff picture. His long-term team control also makes him one of the organization's most valuable assets if the club were ever to reconsider its direction.
The 25-year-old has continued to provide power and speed from the middle infield. Neto is batting .237 with 22 home runs, 27 doubles, 62 RBIs and 18 stolen bases this season.
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He recently became the first shortstop in Angels history to record at least 20 home runs and 20 doubles in three consecutive seasons, further establishing his importance to the franchise.
Neto is also under team control beyond the current season, giving the Angels a potential cornerstone for their next competitive roster. That control could make him attractive to other clubs, but his public comments suggest he would prefer to remain in Anaheim and be part of the solution.
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Angels entered Tuesday at 52-80, sitting 14 games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West. With the club facing another difficult finish, the focus has increasingly shifted toward determining which young players can form the foundation of a turnaround.
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For Neto, that future is one he wants to be part of. His comments remove some of the uncertainty surrounding his personal preference, even if they cannot completely eliminate future trade speculation.
The Angels will now have to determine whether they can build quickly enough around their shortstop to match his desire to stay. For the moment, Neto has made his position unmistakable: He wants to remain with Los Angeles and help change its direction.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
