THE AMERICA ONE NEWS
Jun 1, 2025  |  
0
 | Remer,MN
Sponsor:  QWIKET 
Sponsor:  QWIKET 
Sponsor:  QWIKET: Elevate your fantasy game! Interactive Sports Knowledge.
Sponsor:  QWIKET: Elevate your fantasy game! Interactive Sports Knowledge and Reasoning Support for Fantasy Sports and Betting Enthusiasts.
back  
topic
Fox News
Fox News
12 Mar 2023


Ethan Salas, #85 of the San Diego Padres, stands in the bullpen before a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox on March 11, 2023 in Peoria, Arizona.

Ethan Salas, #85 of the San Diego Padres, stands in the bullpen before a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox on March 11, 2023 in Peoria, Arizona. (Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

"Age is just a number," he said, via MLB.com. "I've been prepared for this. I think my preparation is really good -- my routine, everything I've been working for in the gym, in the after-hours. I think it's gone pretty well. [Today was] Just another normal game for me."

It is unclear where Salas will start the year once baseball season gets underway. Normally, an international prospect would start in the Dominican Summer League and then work his way to the Arizona Fall League before hitting Class-A minor league ball in his second full season.

AARON JUDGE TURNED DOWN MASSIVE OFFER FROM PADRES THAT RIVALED YANKEES' $360 MILLION DEAL: REPORT

Ethan Salas, #85 of the San Diego Padres, catches during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox on March 11, 2023 in Peoria, Arizona.

Ethan Salas, #85 of the San Diego Padres, catches during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox on March 11, 2023 in Peoria, Arizona. (Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

However, it has been rumored he could even begin the year at Single-A Lake Elsinore of the California League. He is not set to turn 17 until June.

Padres manager Bob Melvin appeared to be pleased with Salas’ development.

"For a 16-year-old kid behind the plate, I'll tell you, he's well beyond his years," Melvin said. "You watch the way he frames pitches -- a couple balls in the dirt got by him -- but he has his wits about him. ... It's pretty incredible to see a 16-year-old with that kind of composure."

Ethan Salas, #85 of the San Diego Padres, sprints to first base during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox on March 11, 2023 in Peoria, Arizona. This marks the first game the for 16 year-old 2023 international draft pick.

Ethan Salas, #85 of the San Diego Padres, sprints to first base during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox on March 11, 2023 in Peoria, Arizona. This marks the first game the for 16 year-old 2023 international draft pick. (Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

Shortstop Jackson Merrill and right-handed pitcher Dylan Lesko are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 respectively in the Padres’ farm system, according to MLB.com.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.