He’s one of the most exciting young prospects in baseball—but the Padres are making something clear this spring.
Ethan Salas may be the future behind the plate in San Diego, but that future isn’t arriving just yet.

Ethan Salas’ Spring Training Role Sends a Clear Message About the Padres’ 2026 Plan

The San Diego Padres remain incredibly high on catching prospect Ethan Salas, but his usage during spring training is revealing an important truth about the organization’s timeline.

Despite the buzz surrounding the 19-year-old prodigy, the Padres are signaling that Salas still needs more time in the minors before making his long-awaited Major League debut.

This spring, Salas appeared in Cactus League games as a non-roster invitee, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate his development against big league pitching. However, his limited playing time and early reassignment suggest that the Padres are prioritizing patience over urgency with their prized prospect.

A Talent With Enormous Expectations

Salas remains one of the most highly regarded prospects in baseball.

Currently ranked as the Padres’ No. 2 prospect, the young catcher has been on the organization’s radar since signing as a teenager and quickly climbing through the farm system.

In 2023, Salas made headlines by reaching Double-A at just 17 years old, an incredibly rare milestone that fueled speculation he might become one of the fastest-rising catchers in recent MLB history.

But development at that level is rarely smooth—especially for a player so young.

A Development Path Slowed by Injury

The biggest setback for Salas came in 2025, when a back injury limited him to just 10 games in the minors.

That absence slowed the momentum he had built during his early rise through the system.

Across those 10 Double-A games, Salas hit .188 with a .544 OPS, numbers that reflect both the small sample size and the challenge of returning after injury.

Even the year before, his offensive numbers suggested he still needed time to adjust to advanced pitching.

In 2024 at High-A, Salas hit .206 with a .599 OPS, further highlighting the need for continued development at the plate.

This spring offered another chance to test his progress, but his opportunities were limited.

Salas finished 2-for-9 in Cactus League action before the Padres reassigned him to minor league camp as roster cuts began ahead of Opening Day.

Where Salas Will Likely Play in 2026

For now, the Padres appear focused on rebuilding his rhythm and confidence in the minors.

The most likely scenario is that Salas begins the 2026 season in Double-A, though starting in High-A remains a possibility depending on how the organization manages his recovery and development.

The goal is clear: allow the young catcher to refine his offensive approach and regain consistency after missing much of last season.

While fans may have hoped for a faster timeline, the Padres are prioritizing long-term success.

And Salas remains a central piece of the organization’s future plans.

Catcher Situation in San Diego Right Now

While Salas continues developing, the Padres already have their major league catching situation mapped out for 2026.

Freddy Fermin is set to enter the season as the team’s starting catcher after arriving in San Diego at last year’s trade deadline in a deal with the Kansas City Royals.

The Padres traded Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek to acquire Fermin, who quickly provided stability behind the plate.

In 42 games with San Diego, he posted a .244/.278/.339 slash line, and now he’ll take on his first full season as the team’s primary catcher.

Fermin recently spoke about the transition to a full-time role.

“Nothing really changes,” he said through interpreter Jorge Merlos.
“It’s the same game. You prepare the same way and go out there and play.”

Another Chance for Luis Campusano

Behind Fermin, Luis Campusano will once again compete for a permanent roster spot.

The former top prospect has shown flashes of offensive potential but has struggled to deliver consistent production at the big league level.

Still, the Padres remain hopeful that 2026 could finally be the season Campusano breaks through.

Pitching coach Ruben Niebla made the organization’s support clear.

“I think literally the full organization is rooting for Campy,” Niebla said.
“We need Campy to be good.”

The Long-Term Vision Remains Unchanged

For now, Ethan Salas remains a name to watch from afar.

He will also appear in the Spring Breakout showcase game on March 14, where MLB’s top prospects will take center stage.

But the Padres’ approach is clear.

They believe Salas has the potential to become a franchise catcher—one capable of anchoring the team for years to come.

And sometimes, the best way to build a star is simply to give him the time he needs.