Zach Neto

Zach Neto's Biography

Zachary Adam Neto, born January 31, 2001, is an accomplished American professional baseball player, best known as a shortstop for the renowned Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). Prior to his professional career, Neto represented the Campbell Fighting Camels in his university days.

The 2001-born player was first drafted by the Angels in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft and made his baseball debut on the MLB stage just a year later, in 2023. Born in the multicultural city of Miami, Florida, Zachary Adam Neto is one of three siblings born into a Cuban American blue-collar family. His father, Joaquin, served his community as a mailman, and his mother, Magali, worked for AT&T.

Growing up in the city where baseball is a beloved sport, Neto, a dedicated Miami Marlins fan, honed his baseball skills under the guidance of his father. His educational journey began at Doral Academy Preparatory School, but he soon moved to Miami Coral Park Senior High School. Despite showcasing remarkable capabilities on the field with a staggering .407 career batting average while making three All-District teams, Neto’s unique swing style kept significant college scouts at bay, preventing him from being selected in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft.

However, determination and consistency acted as Neto’s north star. He participated in college bus tours arranged by a local scout, Lazaro Llanes, where he learned about Campbell University. Enamored by the university’s spirit and acknowledging his valuable skills, Neto committed to playing college baseball for the Campbell Fighting Camels before his senior high school year ended.

Neto began his Campbell journey, measuring about 5ft 10inches and weighing around 160 pounds. To boost his physical form, the young player sought a strict weight training regimen aided by six daily meals. The 2020 season saw Neto recover from a cyst operation performed on his right hand. Despite his initial intention to actively participate, Neto could only contribute to four games due to the unforeseen cancelation of the season sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the halt, Neto made his way to the South Florida Collegiate Baseball League and displayed superb performance driving home 32 RBIs, hitting six home runs and boasting a 4.50 ERA during 40 games.

Neto’s performance soared exponentially in 2021. Commanding Shortstop with 58 RBIs, 12 home runs and a .405 batting average, he proved his worth on the field. Additionally, his expertise in the bullpen, evident with his 16 strikeouts across 21 innings in 11 sporting events, bagged him numerous accolades such as the Big South Conference Player of the Year, first-team all-Big South and second-team All-American from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

Following a brief stay in the Cape Cod Baseball League, Neto returned to his university life and continued his excellent performance. As the Golden Spike Award watchlist named him as a potential best amateur player candidate, he ended the season with a .407 batting average and 50 RBIs in 53 games.

Neto’s outstanding talents were soon recognized by MLB.com and The Sporting News who ranked him among the top baseball prospects, and he was drafted into the MLB in 2022, ranking as Campbell baseball’s history highest draft pick. He started his professional journey with the Tri-City Dust Devils of the High-A Northwest League and later moved to the Double-A Southern League.

Neto’s incredible journey led him to the major leagues in 2023, where his outstanding performances continued. His MLB debut made him the first member of the 2022 MLB draft class to make it to the major leagues. Neto’s rising career, however, faced a minor setback when he suffered an oblique strain, but his dedication and consistency promise a long and successful career in the Major League Baseball.