Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Ethan Salas, a 19-year-old catcher prospect for the San Diego Padres, has made a remarkable comeback in 2026 after missing most of 2025 due to a lower back stress reaction. After being dropped from MLB's Top 100 prospects list in 2025, Salas has re-entered the rankings at No. 99-100 following an impressive first month with Double-A San Antonio. He is hitting .322/.398/.567 with a .965 OPS, 5 home runs, and 17 RBIs in 26 games. The Padres have opted to keep him in the minors for continued development rather than promoting him to fill the catching void created by Luis Campusano's injury, demonstrating confidence in his long-term trajectory.
Strengths
- + Re-entered MLB Top 100 prospects rankings after being dropped in 2025
- + Exceptional early-season performance: .322 BA, .965 OPS in 26 games
- + Strong defensive metrics: 6 of 31 caught stealing attempts (19.4%)
- + Gained 15-20 pounds during offseason and improved physical makeup
- + Worked extensively on mental approach and swing mechanics
- + Still only 19 years old with significant upside
- + Multiple sources confirming strong performance and prospect status
- + Organizational confidence demonstrated by keeping him in minors for development
Weaknesses
- - Missed nearly entire 2025 season due to lower back stress reaction (10 games played)
- - Dropped out of Top 100 prospects list in 2025
- - Posted only .544 OPS in limited 2025 action
- - Injury history raises durability concerns for young catcher position
- - Still developing and needs seasoning before MLB call-up
- - Behind organizational development projections due to lost 2025 season
About
Andrew Saalfrank is a rp for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Player Overview
RP
Arizona Diamondbacks