3 San Diego Padres prospects who should not be traded and 2 who should

Improved play of late has the San Diego Padres somewhat back in the postseason hunt, but at 44-49 there's still a ways to go. San Diego is 10.0 games back in the NL West and 7.5 back of the final Wild Card spot. It's not likely, but also not impossible.

With the Padres having so much invested into this 2023 season, even if they're 7.5 games back, there's a decent chance they buy at the deadline. They might not go all in, but prospects could be moved. If it doesn't happen this season, we know the Padres won't be giving up on 2024 and virtually any player or prospect outside of a select few will be available for A.J. Preller to wheel and deal like he loves to do.

The Padres have taken a big hit to their farm thanks to their trades to acquire players like Juan Soto and Josh Hader, but still have some guys they should not be moving. Some prospects can be traded to help this Padres team win now, but others should be off the table.

1) Padres prospect Ethan Salas should not be traded

Ethan Salas just turned 17 years old a little over one month ago. Despite that young age, he's already in Single-A playing for Lake Elsinore. Not only is he playing there, he's been raking.

In 31 games, Salas is slashing .265/.382/.496 with six home runs and 26 RBI. He's tacked on five stolen bases, and has only struck out 10 more times than he's walked which is very rare in today's game.

Salas has the ability to be a complete player, and can realistically find himself in the majors as a teenager. Oh yeah, he's a catcher too. I rarely prospect hug, but this is a talent you hold onto for dear life and watch pan out wearing your uniform.

It's impossible to not be so excited about this kid who is already showing elite plate discipline as a teenager. He won't be up for at least a couple more years, but with the ceiling this guy has, the Padres can wait.