Padres' 16-year-old catching prospect is 'well beyond his years'
San Diego Padres' prized catching prospect Ethan Salas is already turning heads only a few days into his first preseason camp with the team.
On Sunday, a day after making his spring training debut, manager Bob Melvin praised the teenager while speaking with reporters.
"He's well beyond his years," Melvin said via Dennis Lin of The Athletic. "It's pretty incredible to see a 16-year-old with that kind of composure."
Salas caught the final four innings of Saturday's Padres vs. Chicago White Sox Cactus League matchup and was impressive behind the plate. Salas looked like he belonged, framing pitches like a seasoned veteran.
Despite having never played in a minor league game before Saturday, Salas was unbothered by the big stage, calling it a "normal game."
"Age is just a number," Salas told Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan. "I've been prepared for this."
A native of Venezuela, Salas entered the year as the No. 1 ranked international prospect before signing with the Padres for a record $5.6M bonus in January.
MLB.com lists Salas as the No. 3 prospect in the Padres system. The only other names ahead of Salas are San Diego's last two first-round picks, right-handed pitcher Dylan Lesko (2022) and top-prospect shortstop Jackson Merrill (2021).
It's still unclear at what level Salas will begin his career. However, Salas will start his journey in the states, unlike most international players.
Furthermore, Padres assistant director of player development, Mike Daly, recently told Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com that Salas could eventually see time with the Padres' Single-A affiliate, the Lake Elsinore Storm.
"I think that there's an opportunity that he plays at a certain level and does everything that we need him to do that," Daly said. "Could he be at Lake Elsinore at some point during the 2023 season? I will put nothing past him."
A well-rounded player with potentially elite catching skills, Salas won't be making the jump to the Majors anytime soon. Still, he will be an intriguing name to watch as he climbs the Padres' system.
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