Garcia's extension guarantees him $57.5M over 4 arbitration eligible years with possible earnings of $85M over 6 years total (with club options & various kickers). Here's why I think of Neto. There are several similar traits:
- Both have/had 4 years of club control left and would be free agents after 2029
- Both are Super Two and have/had 4 arbitration-eligible years left.
- Both are coming off 5+ bWAR 2025 seasons.
There are some slight differences, mostly in Neto's favor:
- Garcia has some accolades – an All Star and a Gold Glove. He seems to be the more highly rated defender.
- Neto is 1 year younger (24 vs. 25).
- Neto is a SS; Garcia is 3B
- Neto has more overall career WAR (11.8 vs. 8)
- Neto has had 2 really good seasons; Garcia has had one.
Given that, I think the Garcia extension is an absolute floor for Neto extension discussions. While the length could be similar – 2 club option years at big dollars – the guaranteed amount and the total amount would likely be ~$100M+ for Neto. (Keep in mind Neto also inked a $3.5M signing bonus and might prefer to just go year to year, and hit free agency as a 29 year old…
3 comments
I think your last point is what we can expect. Neto is super competitive and has a chip on his shoulder. So I think he is confident that he can go year-to-year in arbitration and get strong increases in his salary.
Then I think he sees what Shohei did where he got to choose a winning franchise at the earliest possible point through free agency. Like Shohei, Neto is going to get real tired of all of the losing and not be interested in any extension that keeps him with the Angels.
Pay him whatever he wants.
IMO – he’s injury prone so both sides would be wise to tread safely.
He’s missed 24% (below average) of possible games played compared to other starting SS (10%).