Thankfully, San Diego Padres baseball is back!
Full team training has begun in preparation for the 2026 season. By the end of the week, we’ll be digesting our first Cactus League clash.
Not too many major league spring training camps have two legitimate stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. starting to work toward next season. Each will continue to have a presence on the Padres roster. Typically, we discuss their impact on team success.
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Instead, all eyes are on Ethan Salas, who is entering a career crossroads.
Why did Salas share price fall?
There’s no question that his stock has dropped as Salas is no longer at the top of the consensus top prospect list. american baseball He ranks No. 8 on the 2024 MLB prospect list. Salas is now ranked No. 90 on this year’s rookie list. Injuries and struggles at the plate contributed to his demise.
So it’s not exactly good news for Salas, Flair’s top international free agent signing for $5.6 million as a 16-year-old. Despite all the uncertainty, the organization invited him to major league training camp as a non-roster invitee.
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His offensive performance has been disappointing since his arrival. In three seasons in the minor leagues, Salas has a career batting average of .221 but mediocre power numbers. He had 58 base hits in 800 minor league at-bats. But even more concerning is his home plate plate appearance rate of 22.5%. If you’re a proven power hitter, that’s not a bad percentage.
Salas hit .188 in 10 games with Double-A San Antonio last season. The 19-year-old is ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a stress reaction in his lower back. As a result, he had another failed season in his development.
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The only constant throughout his up-and-down career has been his defense, as Salas is considered one of the top defensive catching prospects in baseball. Scouts graded him high on a 20-80 scale (70 on defense, 60 on arm). That’s why Salas remains a potential major league call-up candidate.
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What’s next for Salas’ career?
The odds are high that Salas will start the 2026 season in the minors. The Padres don’t have room for him on the Opening Day roster, as all of the contenders for backup catcher have proven records in the majors.
You could say the injuries took away from his old self. But Salas has a chance to show off his ability to be productive at the plate in major league camp and hopes to remain injury-free this upcoming season.
It’s not impossible to believe the Friars might be inclined to trade Salas before leaving camp. However, other clubs may be reluctant to acquire him due to concerns about his offensive ability. If Salas’ market is lower than expected, let him develop in the minors. Hopefully he can reach his potential and become a more complete player.
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It’s not impossible for Salas to turn his career around. He is still young and his offensive ability can still be improved.
All talk is over; Salas has to prove he has the potential to be a fixture on the major league roster. He’s at a crossroads in his Padres career; something has to give in 2026.
