In Anaheim, a deep bond between shortstop Zach Neto and first baseman Nolan Schanuel is rooted in their early baseball days competing in South Florida. Neto, who hails from Miami, and Schanuel, raised in Boca Raton, first encountered each other as young players before crossing paths again in high school summer leagues. Their shared history adds weight to Schanuel’s perspective on Neto’s emergence as a team leader for the Los Angeles Angels.
Longtime Competitors Reflect on Neto’s Growth
Schanuel expressed his admiration for Neto’s journey and current impact on the club.
I think it’s awesome growing up playing against him and just seeing what kind of player he was like,
Schanuel said.
Just watching him since my first time getting called up in 2023 and seeing how he’s playing now and how much more comfortable he is, it kind of rubs off on other guys. He’s just a great player, so being able to be teammates with him and watch him thrive is awesome.
Neto’s On-Field Performance Establishes Him as a Key Player
Since being picked 13th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Neto has steadily become a cornerstone for the Angels. He has led the team in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) for two consecutive seasons. In 2025, Neto showcased his combination of power and speed with a .257/.319/.474 slash line, delivering 26 home runs and stealing 26 bases across 128 games. This performance underscores his potential as a consistent 30/30 threat when fully healthy.
Overcoming Injuries and Emphasizing Durability
After missing part of the previous season due to shoulder surgery, staying healthy remains a critical goal for Neto. He recognizes that maintaining his availability will be essential not only for his own success but for the overall competitive trajectory of the Angels.
I keep saying it around camp all the time, like we’re not a young group anymore,
Neto said.
We all know what it takes now to get to that next level and play in October. It’s just a matter of trusting each other.
Developing Leadership Amid Managerial Changes
Alongside veteran star Mike Trout, Neto has grown into an influential leader in the clubhouse. Despite adjusting to multiple managerial shifts early in his career, he remains positive about working with the Angels’ current manager, Kurt Suzuki, while building upon defensive lessons from former staffs.
It’s not the way you want to start your career, having three different [full-time] managers. But Kurt is the man. He’s a special guy to be around.
Neto said.
Manager Kurt Suzuki’s Confidence in Neto’s Potential
Suzuki has praised Neto’s discipline and steady preparation.
The sky’s the limit for him,
Suzuki stated.
I’m sure he’d be the first one to tell you he wants to play a full season.
Looking Forward: Building a Lasting Legacy in Anaheim
Entering his fourth professional season, Neto remains focused on his daily routines and staying connected to his origins as he continues his evolution into a defining figure for the Angels franchise. His determined mindset signals a promising future as the team looks toward deeper postseason contention, with leadership from emerging stars like Neto playing a crucial role.
Zach Neto is projected for a third straight 20/20 season 😤 pic.twitter.com/9egggIGsCT
— MLB (@MLB) February 5, 2026
