San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill has become an important figure in the lineup after an incredible rookie season. While he continues to develop his own game, Merrill provided motivation for one of the team's top prospects, Ethan Salas.
On his Instagram story, the 21-year-old posted a video of the top Padres prospect homering in the Arizona Fall League.
Ethan Salas was signed by the Padres last season as an international free agent with a record breaking signing bonus of $5.6 million. After some strong performances with the amateur teams, the Venezuelan was promoted to the High-A League this season.
Playing for Fort Wayne, the catcher couldn't make the most of the opportunity, as he struggled at the plate this year. But it has to be considered that the 18-year-old was competing with players who were at least three years older to him. Salas hit .206 and .599 OPS while playing as the backstop in all 111 games.
Salas has since played in the Arizona Fall League for the Peoria Javelias. His three-run home run came in the 9-7 loss to the Scottsdale Scorpions.
In the at-bat against the Blue Jays' No.11 prospect Kendry Rojas, the Padres top prospect went behind 0-2 count and fought his way back in the at-bat. On the eighth pitch, he went yard as the ball soared into the right field bullpen at the Peoria Sports Complex. In 10 games, Salas is hitting a much better .308 with a high .912 OPS.
Will Padres push top prospects like Jackson Merrill?
Like Ethan Salas, his senior in the Padres system, Jackson Merrill, too, had started the previous year in the High-A League. But his debut was fast tracked when the Padres added him to the Opening Day roster. The rest has gone to the San Diego history books, as he hit .292 this season while earning an All-Star cap.
There has been speculation that the management might want to follow the same path with Salas and one of his teammates Leodalis De Vries. As per manager A.J Preller, while they believe in their team's abilities, Jackson Merrill's situation is unique, and their promotions are individual based.
“I’ve seen that out there with … De Vries and Salas,” Preller had said. “No, I mean, I think each guy’s an individual. That’s the way we treat it. We look at each situation. The players, they tell you when they’re ready. Jackson’s situation -- the talented guys with great makeup -- yeah, we’re not scared to challenge players like that. But it’s really an individual-type deal."
The Padres will continue to have a mix of prospects and experienced players in the lineup for the next season as well.