The San Diego Padres made a surprising move over the weekend, sending young prospect Ethan Salas down to the minor leagues. Salas, just 17 years old, was having a strong showing in Spring Training, going 2-for-7 at the plate and impressing with his defensive skills behind the plate.
Despite his young age, Salas has already drawn comparisons to former MLB star Joe Mauer and is considered one of the top prospects in baseball. Padres manager Mike Shildt praised Salas for his professional approach and maturity, saying that he doesn’t see him as a typical teenager but rather as a talented and dedicated player.
The decision to send Salas to the minors is part of the Padres’ plan to continue his development, although there is speculation that he could be called up to the big leagues at any time. Salas is currently the organization’s top prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, and his defensive prowess at such a young age is seen as one of his standout qualities.
Shildt emphasized Salas’s professionalism and eagerness to learn, pointing out that despite his calm demeanor, he is always observing and absorbing knowledge about the game. The Padres are confident that Salas’s time in the minors will help him further hone his skills and prepare him for a successful career in the majors.