In the dynamic world of Major League Baseball (MLB), new talents emerge, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. One such rising star who has been making waves is Zachary Adam “Zach” Neto, the talented shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels. Since his debut in 2023, Neto has showcased a blend of impressive offensive capabilities and stellar defensive skills, quickly becoming a key player for his team and a subject of much discussion among baseball enthusiasts. This article delves into the journey of Zach Neto, from his college days to his promising MLB career, exploring what makes him a player to watch and addressing the questions fans are asking about him online.
Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Born on January 31, 2001, in Miami, Florida, Zach Neto hails from a working-class Cuban American family. His father, Joaquin, a mailman, and his mother, Magali, an AT&T employee, instilled in him a strong work ethic. Growing up in Miami, Neto was a devoted fan of the Florida Marlins (now Miami Marlins) and developed his passion for baseball under the guidance of his father. This early exposure laid the foundation for his burgeoning career in the sport.
Neto honed his skills at Coral Park High School in Miami, where he likely played a pivotal role for their baseball program. While specific details about his high school career might be less readily available, it’s evident that his talent was significant enough to pave the way for his college career.
Collegiate Success at Campbell University
Zach Neto’s college baseball journey at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, was nothing short of remarkable. Playing for the Campbell Fighting Camels, Neto established himself as a dominant force both at the plate and in the field.
During his time at Campbell, Neto showcased an exceptional batting prowess. In 2021, over 44 starts at shortstop, he batted an astounding .405 with 12 home runs, 58 RBIs, 17 doubles, and 12 stolen bases. Adding another dimension to his versatility, Neto also pitched out of the bullpen, recording a 4-0 record with a 3.43 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 11 appearances.
His stellar performance continued into the 2022 season. Neto batted .407 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs in 53 games, leading Campbell to both the Big South regular season and tournament championships. He was named the Big South tournament MVP and earned Big South Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. His collegiate achievements garnered national attention, placing him on the watchlist for the prestigious Golden Spikes Award, given to the best amateur baseball player in the country.
What People Might Be Asking About Zach Neto’s College Career on YouTube and Google:
“Zach Neto Campbell University stats”: Fans and scouts would be interested in his impressive offensive and pitching statistics during his time as a Fighting Camel.
“Zach Neto Campbell highlights”: Videos showcasing his key plays, home runs, and defensive gems from his college career would be sought after.
“Campbell University baseball ranking when Zach Neto played”: The success of the Campbell baseball program during his tenure would be a point of interest.
“Zach Neto Big South Player of the Year”: His accolades and dominance in the Big South Conference would be a topic of search.
“Zach Neto pitching stats in college”: His dual role as a position player and pitcher would intrigue many.
The 2022 MLB Draft and Professional Debut
Entering the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, Zach Neto was highly regarded as one of the top prospects. MLB.com and The Sporting News ranked him 17th on their top prospect lists, while Keith Law of The Athletic placed him even higher at 9th. His participation in the MLB Draft Combine further solidified his standing among scouts.
The Los Angeles Angels selected Zach Neto in the first round with the 13th overall pick of the 2022 MLB draft. This selection marked a historic moment for Campbell University’s baseball program, making Neto the highest draft pick in its history. He signed with the Angels for a reported $3.5 million.
Neto began his professional career with the Tri-City Dust Devils in the High-A Northwest League. After a brief stint where he batted .200 with one home run and four RBIs in seven games, he was quickly promoted to the Rocket City Trash Pandas in the Double-A Southern League. His impressive performance continued, as he hit .320 with four home runs and 23 RBIs in 30 games for Rocket City. By mid-August, MLB.com recognized his potential, ranking him as the second-best prospect in the Angels’ farm system.
The 2023 season saw Neto start back with Rocket City, but his stay was short-lived. On April 15, 2023, he was called up to the Los Angeles Angels’ 40-man roster, becoming the first player from the 2022 MLB draft class to make his major league debut. The following day, he recorded his first MLB hit, a single to left field, and eventually scored a run. An unusual statistic marked his early MLB career: he was hit by a pitch seven times in his first 15 games, setting a modern MLB record. On May 9, 2023, he hit his first major league home run off Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez.
What People Might Be Asking About Zach Neto’s Draft and Early Professional Career on YouTube and Google:
“Zach Neto draft position”: His first-round selection and overall pick number (13th) are key pieces of information.
“Zach Neto Angels signing bonus”: The financial terms of his first professional contract would be of interest.
“Zach Neto first MLB hit”: Fans would want to see the moment he recorded his first hit in the major leagues.
“Zach Neto first MLB home run”: The video of his first big-league homer would be a popular search.
“Zach Neto prospect ranking”: His standing among the Angels’ top prospects and the overall MLB prospect landscape would be a point of discussion.
Impact with the Los Angeles Angels
Since his debut, Zach Neto has quickly established himself as a vital component of the Los Angeles Angels. In his first full season in 2024, he played in 155 games, showcasing his all-around talent. He slashed .249/.318/.443 with 23 home runs, 77 RBIs, and an impressive 30 stolen bases. Notably, he became the first Angels shortstop since Jim Fregosi to reach the 20/20 mark (20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases) in a single season. His outstanding performance earned him the Angels’ 2024 Team MVP Award, as voted by his teammates.
Despite a late start to the 2025 season due to recovery from right shoulder surgery in November 2024, Neto has continued to impress. In the early part of the 2025 season (through May 13), his batting average stood at .244 with 38 career home runs and 122 RBIs. His recent performances, including a game on May 16, 2025, where he had two doubles and two RBIs against the Los Angeles Dodgers, highlight his ongoing contributions to the team.
Angels manager Ron Washington has expressed a close relationship with Neto, praising his offensive and defensive abilities and noting the positive impact he has on the team’s energy and competitiveness.
Zach Neto on YouTube
While Zach Neto himself doesn’t appear to have a personal YouTube channel with a large following, his highlights, interviews, and game analyses are widely available on various sports channels and fan-made compilations. Official MLB channels, the Los Angeles Angels’ official YouTube presence (“Angels”), and channels like Jomboy Media often feature content related to Neto’s performances and contributions.
The “Under the Halo” podcast, the official podcast of Angels Baseball, recently featured Zach Neto, providing insights into his personality, his growth on the team, his hobbies (like bowling), and more. This type of content offers fans a more personal look at the player beyond his on-field achievements.
FAQs
Who is Zach Neto?
Zachary Adam Neto is an American professional baseball shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels. Born on January 31, 2001, in Miami, Florida, he played college baseball at Campbell University before being drafted by the Angels in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
What are Zach Neto’s physical stats?
Neto stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds. He bats and throws right-handed.
When did Zach Neto make his MLB debut?
Zach Neto made his Major League Baseball debut on April 15, 2023, becoming the first player from the 2022 draft class to reach the majors.
What is Zach Neto’s background in college baseball?
At Campbell University, Neto had an impressive college career. In 2021, he batted .405 with 12 home runs and was named the Big South Conference Player of the Year. He continued his strong performance in 2022, solidifying his status as a top prospect.
What are Zach Neto’s MLB statistics?
As of the 2025 season, Zach Neto has a batting average of .266, with 6 home runs and 11 RBIs. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) stands at .827, indicating a solid offensive contribution.
Has Zach Neto faced any injuries?
Yes, in November 2024, Neto underwent surgery on his right shoulder, causing him to miss the start of the 2025 season. He began a rehab assignment but experienced fatigue, delaying his return.
What is Zach Neto’s playing style?
Neto is known for his athleticism and versatility on the field. He combines solid defensive skills at shortstop with a potent bat, showcasing both power and contact-hitting abilities. His quick ascent to the majors reflects his adaptability and work ethic.
What is Zach Neto’s future outlook?
Given his rapid progression and performance, Neto is considered a cornerstone for the Angels’ infield. If he maintains his development trajectory, he could become one of the league’s standout shortstops in the coming years.
To conclude
Zach Neto’s journey from a standout college player at Campbell University to a promising MLB shortstop with the Los Angeles Angels underscores his talent and determination. Despite facing challenges, including a significant shoulder injury, his resilience and performance have solidified his reputation as a rising star in baseball. As he continues to develop and contribute to his team, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his future achievements on the field.
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