Rejoice, San Diego Padres baseball is back!
Full-squad training has begun in preparation for the 2026 season. And by the end of the week, we will have digested our first Cactus League clash.
Few major league spring training camps have two legitimate stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. starting work for the upcoming season. Each will continue to anchor the Padres’ lineup at the top of the order. Normally we would discuss their impact on the team’s success.
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Instead, all eyes will be on Ethan Salas, who is entering a crossroads in his professional career.
Why did Salas’ stock fall?
There is no doubt that his stock has declined, as Salas is no longer at the top of consensus lists of top prospects. Baseball America ranked him No. 8 in their 2024 MLB prospects list. Now, Salas is ranked No. 90 in this year’s prospect list. Injuries and struggles at the plate contributed to his demise.
So this is not good news for Salas, who is the Brother’s boss. international free agent signing at 16 for $5.6 million. Despite all the uncertainty, the organization invited him to major league camp as a non-roster invitee.
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Since his arrival, his offensive production has been disappointing. In three seasons in the minor leagues, Salas has a career batting average of .221, accompanied by disappointing power numbers. He has 58 extra-base hits in 800 minor league at-bats. But what’s more alarming is that he’s struck out in 22.5 percent of his plate appearances. That’s not a bad percentage if you’re a proven power hitter.
Last season, Salas hit .188 in 10 games at Double-A San Antonio. The 19-year-old missed the remainder of the season due to a stress reaction in his lower back. Thus, another season lost in its development.
The one constant in his checkered professional career has been his defense, as Salas is considered one of the best defensive prospects in baseball. Scouts gave him high grades (70 in the field and 60 on the arms) on their scale of 20 to 80. That’s why Salas is still in the conversation as a potential candidate for a call-up to the major leagues.
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What’s next for Salas’ career?
There’s a good chance Salas will start the 2026 campaign in the minors. The Padres don’t have room for him on the Opening Day roster, as all competitors for the backup catcher role have proven themselves in the majors.
You could argue that the injuries have left him a shell of his former self. But Salas has an opportunity in major league camp to show that he can be productive at the plate and hopefully remain injury-free for the upcoming season.
It is not impossible to believe that the brothers might be inclined to exchange Salas before breaking camp. Still, other clubs might be reluctant to acquire him due to concerns over his offensive production. If Salas’ market is weaker than expected, then let him grow in the minors. Hopefully he realizes his potential and becomes a more complete player.
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It’s not impossible to imagine Salas changing careers. He is young enough to improve offensively.
All discussions are over; Salas needs to prove he is a potential player on a major league roster. He is at a crossroads in his career with the Padres; Something has to give in 2026.
