Angels and franchise shortstop jack netto A $4.15 million arbitration agreement was reached in January. This covers the first of four years of arbitration eligibility for the former first-round pick who reached Super Two status this offseason.
If the two sides have discussed the possibility of some kind of long-term deal, those talks don’t appear to have progressed. Neto’s agent, Ryan Hamill of CAA, told Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times that the Angels did not make a formal long-term offer during the offseason. It’s unclear what conversations the two sides will have during spring training.
The Angels haven’t made a long-term commitment. All of their free agency activities were limited to one year, and no individual player made more than $5 million. They also signed new head coach Kurt Suzuki to an unusually short one-year contract (reportedly after talks with Albert Pujols about the job fell through).
It’s been a disappointing offseason for Halos fans, who have endured the longest playoff drought in sports history at 11 years. That was before owner Arte Moreno made embarrassing comments last week, in which he claimed there were concerns that a survey showed “victory is not in (fans’) top five” when attending games. Even if it was believed to be true from the fan base’s perspective, it’s a bizarre statement for an owner to put on the record knowing it would attract the attention of players and coaches.
“I really don’t have an answer to that,” Neto said when asked by Shaikin whether Moreno’s comments would be a concern for him in extension talks. But he spoke broadly about valuing loyalty and said he would accept a long-term deal. “If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. I want to stay here. I want to be here. But if not, not every road is meant to be that way.”
It could all be up for debate. The Angels terminated their local TV deal with Main Street Sports this offseason, taking away a vital revenue stream. MLB is handling in-market distribution this year. Neto is coming off back-to-back seasons in which Baseball Reference values about five wins above replacement. He will likely become a free agent at age 29. If the Angels want to buy out multiple free-agent years, they would likely need an offer of $200 million or more.
In either case, Neto will be a fixture in the middle of the diamond for the next few seasons. There is much less confidence around him around the infield dirt. Halo is back Yoan Moncada He will serve as the primary third baseman on a one-year, $4 million contract. Christian Moore He’s my favorite player at second base. Vaughan Grissom, Danger Guzman Invitees not on the list Nick Madrigal and Adam Fraser They may all be mixed up.
Moore, the eighth overall pick in 2024, pitched 411 2/3 innings for Keystone as a rookie. He played full-time second base for most of his Pro Bowl and college career at Tennessee. The Angels knocked off Moncada in Saturday’s game before giving up four innings to Moore at third base.
Suzuki told reporters (including Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register) that Moore could start at the hot corner while Moncada plays for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic. They would ideally expand the second-year infielder’s versatility, making it easier to bench a veteran second baseman like Frazier or Madrigal.
One injury news, offseason trade pickup Josh Rowe I’m battling what appears to be some pain in my left oblique area (via the MLB.com injury tracker). Lowe said he would be sidelined for a few days, but did not expect it to jeopardize his chances of playing on Opening Day. The right slant has caused problems for Rowe over the past two seasons, so it’s a good thing the problem is now on the other side.
