Zach Neto's Extension, Nationals Trade Targets, and Free Agency Insights

This week’s MLB mailbag covers a handful of pretty interesting topics. There’s a lot of talk about a possible contract extension for Zach Neto, trade targets for the Nationals, and how some upcoming free agents are shaping up. After three decades in sports journalism, I’ve seen these discussions from every angle, so let’s dig into the details and see what’s really going on behind the headlines. We’ll look at Neto’s career, what an extension could mean, and a few other points that stood out.

Table of Contents

Zach Neto’s Potential Contract Extension

Zach Neto’s name keeps popping up lately, especially when it comes to a possible contract extension. The young shortstop jumped to the majors less than nine months after being drafted in 2022. Even though injuries slowed him down early on, he still managed about 2 WAR per 150 games during his rookie season in 2023.

Neto’s Breakout Season

In 2024, Neto finally turned a corner. He stayed healthy and, starting in May, really picked up his offense—posting a 122 wRC+ from that point. By the end of the year, he’d logged more than 1,300 innings at shortstop and put up a 3.5 WAR. His stat line? Twenty-three homers and thirty steals. Not bad at all.

Some folks worry about his range, since Statcast’s Outs Above Average doesn’t exactly flatter him. But if you look at Defensive Runs Saved, he’s in the black. After shoulder surgery in November, Neto made his season debut on April 18th, 2025. Since then, he’s racked up a 141 wRC+ in 152 plate appearances—32nd in the majors, fifth among shortstops. At this rate, he’d finish with 5.8 WAR per 150 games, which puts him among baseball’s best at his position.

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Arbitration and Free Agency

The Angels didn’t mess around with service time games; they brought Neto up fast. He started 2025 with one year and 170 days of service—just two days short of two full years. That means he’ll hit arbitration four times starting in 2026, and he won’t reach free agency until after 2029.

What Could an Extension Look Like?

Given how he’s trending, Neto’s extension could be a big one. It’s not outlandish to think he could land something in the ballpark of what Juan Soto was offered. He brings both power and speed, and his defense keeps getting better. Locking him up long-term would give the Angels some certainty, and it’d give Neto some well-earned financial security.

Other Key Points from the Mailbag

The mailbag didn’t just focus on Neto. There was also plenty of chatter about the Nationals’ trade targets, available outfielders and relievers, and how free agents are performing. Ken Rosenthal’s recent piece on the Nationals added some interesting context to their trade plans.

Nationals’ Trade Targets

The Nationals are out there working the phones, looking for ways to strengthen their roster. They’re eyeing both outfielders and relievers, hoping to add depth and boost their performance. The front office seems set on bringing in players who can help right away but also stick around for a while.

Upcoming Free Agents

It’s been a mixed year for players heading into free agency. Some have really increased their value, while others have taken a hit. This is going to shape the offseason, no doubt. Teams will be watching closely, trying to figure out who’s worth the investment and who isn’t.

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Conclusion

Zach Neto’s potential contract extension keeps popping up in baseball circles. It’s not surprising, honestly.

He’s shown impressive skill, even with a few early bumps in the road. Right now, he’s looking like one of the best shortstops out there.

The Angels probably need to think about making a big offer if they want to keep him around. That seems like a no-brainer, but you never know with front offices these days.

Meanwhile, the Nationals have their eyes on some trade targets. There’s also buzz about how upcoming free agents will perform as the season rolls on.

If you’re after more details or want to nerd out over the stats, check out the original article on MLB Trade Rumors. It’s got a lot more to chew on if you’re into that sort of thing.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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