Ethan Salas has taken another huge step toward his destiny.
Baseball America reported Sunday that the San Diego Padres catching prospect is being promoted to Double-A.
At age 17.
Padres catcher Ethan Salas is going to Double-A.
At 17 years old. Wow.
No. 6 prospect on the BA Top 100.
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) August 20, 2023
Yes, that is light years ahead of the normal development curve for most prospects, as the average age of Double-A hitters is 24.2. Then again, Salas is no ordinary prospect.
Salas, who was born in Florida but raised in Venezuela, was rated the No. 1 international prospect in 2023. He signed in January for a hefty $5.6 million bonus. MLB.com rates him the No. 5 prospect in baseball, Baseball America ranks him sixth.
Salas hit well in Single-A, slashing .257/.335/.447 with nine home runs in 226 at-bats. However, only 35 of those at-bats came at High-A Fort Wayne, where he batted .200.
The MLB.com scouting report projects Salas could develop into a “rare five-tool catcher,” with advanced hitting skills, above-average power and a strong arm and defensive skills.
Now, Salas takes those talents to the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League.
MLB fans reacted to the news with surprise, with some worried the Padres might be rushing their prized prospect.
This kid could be in MLB by the end of next year at the age of 18!!!! Just wow!!!
— Josue De Jesus (@josuedjr) August 20, 2023
If you watch him play live it’s not surprising. He’s levels above the rest of the guys on the field. I don’t think it’s irresponsible to bring him up so he’s challenged more/able to develop upwards.
— Cassidy (@Madre858) August 20, 2023
wowwww. if he even puts up below average stats thats gonna be crazy. stud
— Sam (@OakFanToo) August 20, 2023
This feels a lot like a desperate GM looking to prove he can deliver talent within the organization rather than just trading it all away. I hope the kid can handle it…
— Manny4MVP (@JeremiahChaplin) August 20, 2023
This is rushing a young dude who didn’t even produce in High A
— Paul McMillan (@paultmcmillan) August 20, 2023