The Los Angeles Angels have changed a lot this season, from firing general manager Perry Minasian and multiple pitching coaches to finally committing to the future at the trade deadline. Despite the moves, the Angels remain one of the worst teams in baseball, but the idea that they'll work their way up the standings in the coming years is no longer outlandish.
One of the key players in doing so is shortstop Zach Neto , the former first-round selection by the Halos in the 2022 draft. Since debuting in 2023, Neto has improved year after year and has become the next Angels star.
That status was in doubt earlier this season, however, as a slight step back at the plate this season saw the Angels listening to offers for the 25-year-old despite having three more years of team control after this season.
Ultimately, interim general manager John Mozeliak and the Halos opted to keep Neto in Anaheim past the deadline, but there is a belief across the league that trade conversations will pick up again in the offseason.
For Neto, it would be against his wishes.
"I'm very loyal, and I want to stay here," Neto said on a Monday MLB Network appearance. "I want to be able to flip this thing around."
"It's pretty special – being able to stay here and be a part of this group. Being a part of this turnaround, I think, is the most important part," Neto added.
Keeping Neto an Angel has seemed to be the right move so far, as he has really gotten in a groove at the plate recently . In his last 12 games, Neto has recorded a 1.037 OPS in 49 at-bats, but his numbers only get better when looking at his last seven.
Since August 18, Neto has slashed .469/.469/.844 with a 1.313 OPS. Recording 15 hits, two home runs, and nine RBI's in just 32 at-bats is ridiculous, but these are the heights Neto is capable of reaching.
Neto has been the third most valuable Angels player this season, only behind Reid Detmers and Mike Trout. Despite taking a slight step back from last year, he remains a top-10 shortstop in baseball in terms of fWAR. His 22 homers and 82 runs place him as the No. 3 shortstop in each category.
Neto's offensive talent can't be questioned, but even his defense has seen an improvement in 2026. His 81st percentile arm strength is a significant boost from slightly above league average last season, and his 0.8 defensive fWAR is a huge flip from -1.6 in 2025.
Perhaps Neto's recent play will have the Angels' front office holding back in reopening trade conversations for their star infielder, instead keeping him as the club's top position player of the future. Their recent rise in the farm system rankings suggests a bright future in Anaheim, and keeping Neto along for the ride would only accelerate the process. Neto, for one, wants it that way.
