Preller Discusses Ethan Salas, Padres’ Catchers

San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller stated that top prospect Ethan Salas will face open competition for playing time behind the plate in 2027. Despite making his major league debut last month and remaining a consensus Top 100 prospect, the 20-year-old catcher will compete with veterans Luis Campusano and Freddy Fermin as the team prepares to chase a championship.

Campusano posted a strong 127 wRC+ across 71 games in 2026, while Fermin excelled as an elite defensive specialist with +8 Defensive Runs Saved. Projected to earn a combined $4.3 million through arbitration, the duo offers San Diego reliable depth and insurance while Salas continues his development at the major league level.