Zach Neto's Silver Slugger nomination is one final reminder for looming Angels' decision

It was a lost season on the field for the Los Angeles Angels, considering they lost 100 games for the first time in franchise history, and there's very little direction to point to. Off the field, there's eventually going to be a regime change this offseason, and one of the first decisions made will need to center around Zach Neto. Despite the up-and-down nature of Neto's season, he was revealed as finalist for the Louisville Silver Slugger award among American League shortstops.

Of course, it's not an ideal time to be in the running for the recognition, considering Bobby Witt Jr. still exists with the Kansas City Royals. The other finalist is Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers, but for Neto, this is an important reminder of the value he still should have across the league.

Neto's batting average dipped by nearly 20 points this season, but he still had a career-high 27 home runs and matched his career best in RBI with 77. The fatal flow in his offensive approach this offseason were strikeouts, punching out over 30% of the time this season. It's what clouded Neto's offensive value this season, but there's no denying that his overall trajectory is still headed in the right direction.

Angels face a difficult Zach Neto decision after Silver Slugger recognition

Neto turns 26 in January and is under control through 2029 season. In terms of his trade value, it's diminishing with each passing day. With the Angels not likely to contend in 2027 or 2028, it feels like the ideal time for Neto to be traded. Especially when it's an offseason where the free-agent class is weak, and there isn't a particularly appealing shortstop available.

Interim general manager John Mozeliak shopped Neto at the deadline, but understandably had a high asking price. Mozeliak has already confirmed that he will eventually be phased out of the Angels' front office this offseason, but that leaves an important decision for who steps in his place.

Is Neto a part of the building blocks for an Angels team that could be a contender a few years from now, or is he the chip that needs to be moved first? Conventional wisdom would point to Neto being traded, considering that would be an easy way to accelerate a potential reset with a new decision maker in place.

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