Fantasy Baseball Player Notes

Zach Neto emerged as a dynamic fantasy asset in 2024, showcasing a rare blend of power and speed. Over 155 games, he posted a .249/.318/.443 slash line, with 23 home runs, 77 RBIs, 70 runs scored, and an impressive 30 stolen bases. Notably, Neto became only the third player in Angels history to achieve at least 20 home runs, 30 doubles, and 30 stolen bases in a single season. While his .249 batting average aligns with his career mark of .241, his underlying metrics suggest room for growth. Neto's average exit velocity stood at 89.2 mph, and his barrel rate was 8.9%, both indicating solid contact quality. However, his 24.7% strikeout rate, coupled with a modest 5.1% walk rate, highlights areas for potential improvement in plate discipline. Fantasy managers should note that Neto underwent right shoulder surgery in early November 2024, following an injury sustained on September 26. As a result, he is expected to miss the start of the 2025 season, with a return anticipated between one week to a month after Opening Day. Once he returns to full health, Neto's combination of power and speed, along with his everyday role in the Angels' lineup, should make him a valuable contributor in fantasy formats.