Zach Neto isn't holding back when it comes to the skeptics. As the Los Angeles Angels gear up for the 2026 season, the buzz around them isn't exactly positive. But if you ask Neto, the Angels' shortstop, he’s unfazed by the naysayers.
In a candid chat, Neto made it clear that outside opinions don't faze him. “I couldn’t care less what other people think," he said.
"We use it as motivation. We know that nobody thinks we’re going to win ballgames.
We joke around here like, ‘Oh, we won a game today.’ But we all believe we can win.”
This defiant spirit seems to resonate throughout the Angels' clubhouse. After wrapping up last season with a 72-90 record and missing the playoffs since 2014, expectations are low. But for Neto and his teammates, the focus is clear: win games and prove the critics wrong.
Despite the skepticism, the Angels aren’t a squad of rookies destined for the minors. They've got the legendary Mike Trout, even if he's a bit older, alongside promising talents like Neto, Nolan Schanuel, and Jo Adell. Add in a potentially revitalized Jorge Soler and the fresh power of Josh Lowe, and there's reason to believe in their lineup.
On the mound, the story is a bit more complex. Fans were eager to see Grayson Rodriguez start the season, but he’ll be on the IL for now. The hope is that Reid Detmers can build on his strong 2025 performance and solidify his spot in the rotation, giving the Angels a promising young pitching staff.
Looking at the AL West, it's not all doom and gloom for the Angels. Sure, history hasn't been kind, but the division is wide open.
The Houston Astros, once dominant, now face their own uncertainties. Jose Altuve isn't getting any younger, and while their rotation has seen upgrades, there are still plenty of question marks.
The Seattle Mariners, fresh off an ALCS appearance, have internal tensions that could affect their season. Meanwhile, the Athletics remain a young team on the rise, and the Texas Rangers, despite offseason changes, still struggle with depth, particularly in their pitching.
Neto and the Angels are entering the season with something to prove. It won't be easy, but writing them off before the first pitch is thrown might be a mistake. The Angels are ready to take on the challenge, and this season could surprise a lot of people.