San Diego Padres Give Record Signing Bonus To Top International Prospect

Just because the big names of the free agent market are off the board, that doesn't mean the San Diego Padres have finished spending some big bucks this offseason. They've handed out the largest signing bonus ever to ink the top-ranked international prospect in baseball.  

The Padres have agreed to a $5.6 million deal with No. 1-ranked international prospect Ethan Salas.

More on the 16-year-old Venezuelan catcher: https://t.co/tKBDzKoRe9 pic.twitter.com/KgO8HKhWZW

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2023

16-year-old Venezuelan catcher Ethan Salas gets $5.6M from the Padres. MLB Pipeline calls him "one of the best catching prospects in recent history." 

No. 1 Ethan Salas makes it official with the Padres @MLBPipeline pic.twitter.com/ojVd004ApJ

— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) January 15, 2023

As MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez writes, Ethan Salas "was born to play baseball...

"At the plate, the athletic Salas has a good feel for the strike zone with the ability to hit the ball to all fields. He shows good raw power, and it is expected to increase as he develops. 

On defense, Salas shows plus potential because of his soft hands, blocking ability and receiving skills. He has good throwing mechanics and a strong arm, he is already exhibiting leadership skills and he runs well for a catcher."

Ethan's older brother, Jose Salas, 19, is an infield prospect in the Miami Marlins system. 

Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports