In a development that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto has undergone surgery on his right shoulder, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his availability for the start of the 2025 MLB season. The news, revealed by Angels general manager Perry Minasian, has left fans and analysts alike speculating about the potential impact on the team’s fortunes in the coming year.
Neto, a rising star who burst onto the scene in 2024 after being drafted in the first round just two years prior, had established himself as an everyday major league shortstop, dazzling with his defensive prowess and surprising pop at the plate. His contributions were a rare bright spot in a historically dismal season for the Angels, making his injury all the more devastating for the franchise and its followers.
A Cryptic Timeline
While confirming that Neto had gone under the knife earlier in the week, Minasian remained cagey about the specifics of the young infielder’s recovery timeline. “He will miss some time,” the GM acknowledged, before adding, “How much time, we’ll see.”
This ambiguity has only fueled speculation among baseball insiders and fans, with many fearing that Neto could be sidelined well into the 2025 campaign. The absence of a concrete return date has also raised questions about the severity of the injury and the potential for lingering effects that could hamper Neto’s performance even after he returns to the field.
A Late-Season Slide
According to sources close to the team, Neto initially injured his shoulder while sliding into a base during a late-September game against the Chicago White Sox. Despite efforts to treat the ailment with rest and rehabilitation, the shoulder failed to respond as hoped, necessitating surgical intervention.
The timing of the injury and subsequent surgery is particularly cruel for Neto, who had been enjoying a stellar rookie campaign. In 159 games, the 23-year-old posted a .249 batting average, smacked 23 home runs, and drove in 77 runs, all while playing outstanding defense at one of the game’s most demanding positions.
Filling the Void
With Neto’s status for the start of the 2025 season in doubt, the Angels will be forced to confront the daunting task of finding a suitable replacement for their defensive anchor and emerging offensive threat. Internal options are limited, with utility infielder Luis Rengifo and the inconsistent David Fletcher the most likely candidates to fill in at shortstop.
“We have confidence in the depth of our roster, and we know that guys will step up in Zach’s absence,” Minasian said. “No one is going to replace what he brings to the team, but we have to move forward and stay focused on our goals.”
– Perry Minasian
The Angels could also explore the trade market or free agency for a more proven stopgap, but with the team’s recent struggles and the uncertainty surrounding Neto’s return, attracting top-tier talent may prove challenging. The loss of their young star also complicates matters for an organization that had been hoping to build around Neto and fellow youngsters like outfielder Jo Adell and pitcher Reid Detmers.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
For a team that has been mired in mediocrity for the better part of a decade, Neto’s injury represents yet another setback in the Angels’ quest to return to relevance. Despite boasting perennial MVP candidate Mike Trout and two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, the club has repeatedly fallen short of the postseason, with a revolving door of managers and front office personnel unable to steer the ship in the right direction.
As the Angels confront the possibility of beginning the 2025 season without one of their most promising young players, the pressure is on Minasian and his staff to find a way to keep the team competitive in a daunting American League West. With the defending champion Houston Astros and the ascending Seattle Mariners both poised to make another run at the division crown, the margin for error is slim.
The Road Ahead
For Neto, the focus now shifts to his recovery and rehabilitation, with the hopes of returning to the field as soon as possible. The young shortstop has already shown remarkable resilience in his brief career, overcoming the challenges of being a first-round draft pick and earning his place among the game’s elite.
As he begins the arduous process of working his way back from shoulder surgery, Neto will undoubtedly draw upon that same determination and grit. And while the road ahead may be uncertain, one thing remains clear: The Angels, and the baseball world at large, will be eagerly awaiting his return.
