Ethan Salas is one of the best prospects of the San Diego Padres, and here’s all you need to know about him.
On Saturday, the San Diego Padres and the Chicago White Sox competed against each other in a game that was held during spring training. Ethan Salas, a prospect who is only 16 years old, was given the opportunity to step into the batter’s box during the game and make a pinch-hit appearance during the bottom of the sixth inning of the 6–5 victory.
Upon his addition to the preseason roster, Salas made his first spring appearance on that particular day. Even though he didn’t get a hit, the youngster still had a good at-bat. He grounded out to the second base, which was the correct play.
After being regarded as the top overall international talent in 2023, the Venezuelan native who is only 16 years old signed a hefty contract with San Diego worth $5.1 million in January. In the annals of the league’s history, it was the third-largest deal ever given to an international prospect.
According to MLB Pipeline, Salas is presently the third-best prospect in the Padres’ organization to come through their farm system. It is remarkable that Salas, who is just 16 years old, is already getting at-bats against major league pitchers despite the fact that it is likely that he will not make his debut in a regular season game until a considerable amount of time has passed.
In spite of the fact that he was the youngest player on the field, Salas conducted his postgame interview with poise and exuded an abundance of self-assurance. He described his debut as just being another game.
Ethan Salas did not find out that he would be able to watch the second half of the Padres’ Cactus League game against the White Sox until he arrived at the Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday morning. The game was being played between the Padres and the White Sox.
Salas, listed by MLB Pipeline as the top prospect in this year’s international signing class, has garnered excellent praise for his efforts all spring. His debut in the Cactus League was only the next step for a catcher who is projected to make rapid advancements in the San Diego organisation.
In January, the Padres agreed to pay Salas $5.6 million to join with their team, which was effectively the whole total of their international bonus pool. He then spent a significant portion of the following month playing at Petco Park before making an early arrival in Peoria, well in advance of Minor League camp.
It is currently unknown where Salas will launch his professional career, but it was just confirmed by the assistant director of player development Mike Daly that the catcher will do so within the United States.
However, it appears that Salas will start the year in the Arizona Rookie League rather than the Dominican Summer League, which is the typical starting point for young international signees’ careers in the major leagues. Even though Salas won’t turn 17 until June, it’s not out of the question that he might start playing full-season ball for Lake Elsinore’s Single-A team very soon. In fact, it’s not even out of the question.
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