Padres top prospect Ethan Salas showing real signs of progress down in the AFL

It's starting to click.

2024 San Diego Padres Spring Training
2024 San Diego Padres Spring Training | Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/GettyImages

The San Diego Padres are their watching their top prospect grow at an exponential rate. The Padres' 18-year-old prospect didn't have the most memorable 2024 campaign in High-A, clipping a .206 batting average and going just 3-for-22 effort to close out the year.

However, the humble catcher is turning things around in the Arizona Fall League and is displaying his truest potential as a player who is destined to make it to the big leagues one day. In a day when home runs and exit velocities are king of the sport, Salas is seemingly looking to move away from that approach. The young backstop understands he isn't the most powerful bat in the lineup, but he is deadly when it comes to racking up doubles.

Padres prospect Ethan Salas excelling at Arizona Fall League

"I’m just getting back to me," Salas told MLB.com. “I’m shooting for the big part of the field. Not always trying to swing for the fences. Trying to hit it where it’s pitched, put a barrel on the ball and good things happen.”

This mature approach has expedited Salas' growth as a professional ballplayer. The teenager has laced 11 hits in his first eight AFL contests, five of which have been doubles. Salas also has 10 RBI, three walks, and a home run on his AFL résumé this year.

Salas' five doubles are tied for second-most in the AFL and his 10 RBI rank among the top 3 in the league this fall. Salas has a 60-grade hitting tool, but is also highly regarded for his arm and defense behind the plate. After throwing a few runners out in the AFL earlier this week, Salas is beginning to put everything together.

It cannot be forgotten that Salas is still just 18 years old. There's plenty of time for Salas to continue developing and gradually make his way up through the Padres farm system. While otherPadres prospects are struggling, this pivotal stint from Salas is placing his full talent on display and offering fans a glimpse of the future.

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