Which 2026 MLB Deadline candidate became the first 2022 MLB draftee to reach the majors? The answer is Zach Neto.
The Los Angeles Angels selected Neto 13th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Campbell University. He advanced rapidly through the organization and debuted on April 15, 2023, becoming the first player from that draft class to appear in a major-league game.
Neto’s promotion was unusually quick because he had played only one full college season at Campbell, yet the Angels viewed his athleticism, defensive ability and mature approach at the plate as major-league ready. He began 2023 in the minor leagues before moving directly into the Angels’ shortstop plans.
The wording can cause confusion because “first 2022 draftee” means the first player selected in the 2022 draft class to reach MLB, not the first player chosen in the first round or the first player from the Angels’ draft group. Players such as Brooks Lee, Druw Jones and Jackson Holliday were drafted in the same year but reached the majors later or had different development timelines.