Angels Call Up 2022 First-Round Pick Zach Neto to Take Over At Shortstop

Talk about a good first impression.

The Los Angeles Angels have decided to shock the MLB world just 13 games into the season. They've obviously had their ups and downs but considering that they have numerous additions to the squad that they acquired in the offseason and some hefty expectations on them to make the playoffs, it is understandable.

I don't think anybody expected this though. Just after 44 games in the minor league, LA will be adding shortstop Zach Neto to their roster. He was selected by the franchise in 2022 in the first round and will beat every single player from his draft class to debut with their major league clubhouse.

Jeff Passan was the first to report the news via Twitter.

The Los Angeles Angels are calling up shortstop Zach Neto, their first-round pick from the 2022 draft. Neto, 22, will be the first '22 pick to debut -- after only 44 minor league games in which he hit .322/.408/.529. He's expected to take over at shortstop full-time.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 15, 2023

"The Los Angeles Angels are calling up shortstop Zach Neto, their first-round pick from the 2022 draft. Neto, 22, will be the first '22 pick to debut -- after only 44 minor league games in which he hit .322/.408/.529. He's expected to take over at shortstop full-time."

(Via Jeff Passan)

The Halos have seen success from numerous young guys on their squad this season and already have an early Rookie of the Year candidate in Logan O'Hoppe who has brought new life to the team.

Obviously, experience is what takes a franchise deep in the postseason but it's also a long year. Having fresh legs in Neto and allowing him to get a taste of the best competition will certainly maximize his potential.

It's also not the first time the Angels have opted to make a move like this.

For the second straight year, the Angels have called up a player from the previous year's draft class.

Chase Silseth made his debut before any other player from the 2021 class. Zach Neto will do the same in 2022.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 15, 2023

"For the second straight year, the Angels have called up a player from the previous year's draft class. Chase Silseth made his debut before any other player from the 2021 class. Zach Neto will do the same in 2022."

(Via Sam Blum)

We look forward to seeing how this young stud performs after making history so short into his MLB career, all eyes will be on him.

It's safe to say that Angels fans love the move.

Zach Neto coming in to dominate the league! pic.twitter.com/9Gzg3HXV3f

— _Casey (@UnderscoreCasey) April 15, 2023

I USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THIS

— Nolan Brooks (@NolanBrooks04) April 15, 2023

Had to be done. Can’t risk slipping the Ohtani year away. Gotta pull out all the stops to retain him

— Oski (@Ayopakman) April 15, 2023