Halos Today

Angels' Rookie SS Slated as Next Franchise Cornerstone

Talk about an immediate impact.

Noel Sanchez

Angels' Rookie SS Slated as Next Franchise Cornerstone
Angels' Rookie SS Slated as Next Franchise Cornerstone /
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Anybody that hasn't tuned into Angels games as of late has missed the usual masterclass performances from Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout but there is also a certain first-year player that has been making noise as of late and his stock has been rising.

We never doubted that Zach Neto would become the number one option at shortstop for the Halos eventually... we just didn't force it coming so soon. With 2023 being among the most important seasons in the franchise's history, LA's front office had a ton of confidence in the 22-year-old to immediately produce.

Maybe those same executives should start playing the lottery.

A Young Star On LA's Hands

The Halos kicked off their weekend in the best manner possible with a 5-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday. Neto played a huge role in that as he went two for three at the plate, drilled in the game-tying run, and continued some excellent defense.

In just 32 games this season, he is slashing .248/.314/.358 and has bombed two home runs as well. Fans have been ecstatic as they watch not only embrace his role on the squad but exceed all expectations.

He is carrying on the legacy that Logan O'Hoppe was building prior to his injury of thriving for LA as a rookie and Bleacher Report is already listing him as the next superstar that will dawn an Angels uniform for some time.

"Los Angeles' 2022 first-round pick played in just 44 minor-league games before getting called up, and he has started nearly every game at shortstop since April 15. Neto hit .403 in his collegiate career and had a .937 OPS in those 44 minor-league games. He hasn't been anywhere near that impressive yet, but he's starting to come around. After tallying just four extra-base hits (all doubles) in his first 22 games with the Angels, Neto has had two home runs and two doubles since May 9."

(Via Bleacher Report)

First things first, this Boston Red Sox series must be taken care of but that star label could come sooner than we think for Neto.

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Noel Sanchez
NOEL SANCHEZ

Noel is currently in his third year at California Polytechnic University of Pomona and is pursuing a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Multi-Media Journalism. He has always had a deep passion for sports and writing.

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