Padres' Ethan Salas reminds prospect rankings not to forget about him

The 19-year-old phenom is back on the field after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:48am

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Ethan Salas, a top-10 prospect in baseball before turning 18, fell out of MLB Pipeline's top-100 prospects this offseason after an injury-plagued 2025 season. However, the 19-year-old San Diego Padres catching prospect reminded everyone of his potential with an impressive performance in the team's Spring Breakout game against the Cubs, hitting a go-ahead three-run home run, singling, stealing a base, throwing out two base stealers, and making a sweet catch in foul ground.

Why it matters

Salas was once considered one of the top prospects in baseball, but his injury-riddled 2025 season caused him to drop off prospect rankings. His standout performance in the Spring Breakout game shows he still has the talent to be a special player, and the Padres are hoping he can stay healthy and regain his prospect status.

The details

Salas, who is still just 19 years old, didn't play after April 27 last season due to a back injury. Despite the injury, he showed in the Spring Breakout game that he still has the tools to be an elite prospect, hitting a go-ahead three-run home run, singling, stealing a base, throwing out two base stealers, and making a nice catch in foul ground.

  • Salas didn't play after April 27 last season due to a back injury.
  • Salas performed well in the Padres' Spring Breakout game against the Cubs on March 22, 2026.

The players

Ethan Salas

A 19-year-old catching prospect for the San Diego Padres who was once considered a top-10 prospect in baseball before an injury-plagued 2025 season caused him to fall out of the top-100 prospect rankings.

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What they’re saying

“Not at all. The guys in this clubhouse know who I am. I don't think any prospect rank or not determines that -- determines how I am as a teammate, as a human, as a baseball player. So I'm just going to go out and keep playing my game every single day, happy like a kid.”

— Ethan Salas

“It's way better doing this. Definitely happy to be back on the field. And yeah, I'm excited. I'm excited for the season.”

— Ethan Salas

What’s next

The Padres will be closely monitoring Salas' health and performance throughout the 2026 season as they hope he can regain his prospect status and develop into an impact player at the major league level.

The takeaway

Ethan Salas' impressive performance in the Spring Breakout game shows he still has the talent to be a top prospect, despite falling out of the rankings after an injury-plagued 2025 season. The Padres are hoping Salas can stay healthy and continue to develop, as he could still turn out to be a special player.