Locked On Angels - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Angels · Locked On Podcast Network, Mike Frisch, Jon Frisch

NUMBER-ONE: Angels Fans Rank Zach Neto as the Top Halo | Why He's the New Face of the Franchise

·35 min·3 clips

Angels fans unanimously crown Zach Neto their top player with 49 home runs and 56 stolen bases over two seasons.

This episode of Locked On Angels reveals the results of a fan poll ranking the top five players on the Los Angeles Angels roster. Hosts John and Mike Frisch, known as the Super Halo Bros, analyze the rankings and discuss the team's outlook. Zach Neto was the runaway winner as the number-one player according to the fan vote. The hosts detail Neto's statistical production from 2024 to 2025, which includes 49 home runs, 63 doubles, 139 RBIs, and 56 stolen bases. They argue his leadership and gritty playing style make him the new face of the franchise, comparing his demeanor to former Angel Darin Erstad. The conversation contrasts Neto's vocal leadership with Mike Trout's more quiet, lead-by-example approach. Defensively, they note Neto's strong run-saving numbers but point out his Outs Above Average metric is less impressive, indicating he makes routine plays consistently but not always exceptional ones. Mike Trout and pitcher José Soriano essentially tied for second place in the fan rankings. The hosts break down Trout's uneven 2025 season, noting a .179 average in April but also periods of strong performance, like an .834 OPS in June. They express that Trout must prioritize being a run producer in 2026, especially if he hits third in the lineup. José Soriano's 2025 season is described as inconsistent, finishing with a 10-11 record, a 4.26 ERA, and a disastrous 16.43 ERA in three September starts before being shut down. Joe Adell ranked third, representing a major shift in fan perception from earlier calls for his release to now being viewed as a positive contributor. His 2025 breakout, particularly a strong June, is highlighted as a reason for optimism. Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi ranked in the four-to-five range, praised for his reliability after logging 178.1 innings with a 3.99 ERA in 2024. The final spot in the top five was contested between Nolan Schanuel and Reid Detmers, with Schanuel favored for his consistency and yearly improvements, including increased bat speed. An interesting claim is that if Schanuel further increases his bat speed into the low 70s (mph), it would match Freddie Freeman's level. The hosts speculate that a refined pitch sequencing from new coach Mike Maddox could be key for both José Soriano and Reid Detmers. They also suggest Joe Adell might be more valuable with a higher batting average and more doubles, even if it means fewer home runs. The tone is conversational and enthusiastic, blending statistical analysis with fan-centric commentary and brotherly debate. This episode is ideal for Angels fans seeking a detailed breakdown of the team's core players and hopeful for a competitive 2026 season. Listeners looking for breaking news or deep tactical analysis of offseason moves might find the focus on existing player rankings too narrow.

As heard by us

A clear Angels hierarchy piece that puts Neto ahead and Trout-Soriano in the next tier.

This Angels ranking lands on Zach Neto as the clear No. 1, with the rest of the group settling into a second tier behind him. Mike Trout and Jose Soriano sit near the top, and the usual question around Trout when healthy is left in place without swallowing the whole piece.

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Why you'd press play

Zach Neto is the clear runaway No. 1, with Mike Trout and Jose Soriano tied right behind him in the next tier.

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