The Los Angeles Angels haven’t been to the postseason since 2014, and Mike Trout has stuck with the Halos for each of those missed playoff appearances. But now, the Angels are determined to have the future Hall of Famer playing again in October.
“We need to help Mike, and we’re all pointing to Mike, get to the postseason,” Angels shortstop Zach Neto said, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. “He is, if not the best player to ever play this game, then one of them. He needs to be in the playoffs.”
April 8, 2024; Anaheim, California, United States; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) collides with outfielder Mike Trout (27) after the final out of the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Angels selected Neto with the 13th overall pick in 2022. He made his MLB debut the following year in 2023 and has become a bright spot for a franchise coming off consecutive last-place finishes.
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He has become a leader for the Angels alongside Trout. And while Trout is approaching the final years of his career, Neto is just getting started in the MLB.
Angels need to sign Neto to long-term contract extension
Neto is under team control through the 2029 season, but his value increases each season. Therefore, the Angels need to secure Neto for the long-term future by offering him a contract extension.
The Angels signed Trout to a record 12-year, $426.5 million contract before the 2019 season. Trout signed his first contract extension with the Halos in the first year he was eligible for salary arbitration.
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Neto became arbitration-eligible this offseason, but Los Angeles reportedly did not make him a formal long-term contract offer, according to CAA Baseball co-director Ryan Hamill. Instead, the Angels and Neto agreed to a one-year, $4.15 million contract to avoid arbitration.
In addition to returning Trout to the postseason, one of the main goals for Neto’s 2026 season is to stay healthy. He underwent shoulder surgery in November 2024, causing him to miss the first 18 games of the regular season in 2025. He then missed the final 15 games of the regular season with a left hand strain.
Neto acknowledged the doubts surrounding the Angels this season, but said he is ready to “prove people wrong” in 2026.
Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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