3 prospects the San Diego Padres should be happy they held on to at the deadline

San Diego Padres prospect: C Ethan Salas

2023 has become the “Summer of Salas,” as the hype machine began when the Padres signed Ethan Salas as their top international free agent last January.

It seems the Friars have played their cards right. His progression through the organization has been rapid, with promising results. Salas is batting .291/.377/.531 with nine homers and 35 RBI in Single-A Lake Elsinore.

He is the type of hitter who makes solid contact at the plate, and you will marvel at his advanced knowledge of the strike zone. Plus, Salas understands when to steal a base or challenge the defense by taking the extra base. As he gets stronger and grows into his 6-foot-2 frame, Salas should hit between 20-25 homers each season.

Defensively, Salas has outstanding footwork to keep low pitches in front of him. He boasts enough arm strength to slow down an opponent’s running game on the base path.

Salas has shown superb composure for a 17-year-old player. He is a rising star who could make his major league debut before his 20th birthday.