The San Diego Padres are bringing back on their big league team set to make some noise in 2024. However, it's their young 17-year-old catcher Ethan Salas making his presence known, especially to his manager Mike Shildt.
Shildt spoke to the media on Monday, including team beat writer A.J. Cassavell of MLB.com. The first-year manager had some high praise for Salas, a consensus top-10 prospect in baseball.
“He’s really no different than anybody in the clubhouse. … He’s really intentional about how he goes about his business. He’s got a quiet demeanor. But he’s always looking around. He’s absorbing, and he’s listening, and he’s learning. And then you see it being applied — which is probably the best thing.”
Salas may just be a teenager, but he is wise beyond his years. He wasn't the number-1 international prospect from the 2023 class for no reason. The Padres jumped at the chance to sign him, and it's been a great signing so far.
In his first year in the minors in 2023, Salas slashed .248/.331/.421 with a .752 OPS, nine home runs, 41 RBIs, and 63 hits in 253 ABs. On top of his offensive prowess, he is a polished defender for his age at this level.
It's only a matter of time before we see the 17-year-old don the brown and gold on a consistent basis. Shildt loves what he's seen from him, and soon enough, so will Padre fans.
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