FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne TinCaps catcher Ethan Salas has been selected to play in Major League Baseball’s 2024 All-Star Futures Game on Saturday, July 13 (4:10pm ET) at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, home of the Texas Rangers. Rosters for the National League and American League teams were revealed Tuesday morning on MLB Network.
Salas will be the third active TinCaps player to appear in the Futures Game. Outfielder Robert Hassell became the first to represent Fort Wayne in 2022, and Jackson Merrill played in last year’s event. The TinCaps are one of only two teams out of 30 at the High-A level to have had a player selected for this showcase each year since 2022.
The TinCaps released the following:
MLB.com ranks Salas as the No. 6 prospect in baseball, highest among all players at the High-A level. He’s also ranked as the top catcher, and the best prospect for the San Diego Padres.
Salas began the season as the youngest player in Minor League Baseball at just 17 years old, not turning 18 until June 1. Last year, he was the youngest to play for a full-season affiliate in a decade. Salas, who was born in Florida but spent part of his childhood growing up in Venezuela, was the No. 1 international free agent prospect in last year’s class, signing with the Padres on January 15, 2023.
The young catcher’s defense has shined with the TinCaps this season. Salas has caught 17 runners attempting to steal, the seventh most in the Midwest League. Teammates and coaches have also praised the job he’s done working with the team’s pitching staff.
At the plate, Salas has had a mature approach, leading the team with 36 walks. His walk rate of 13% ranks in the top 20 of the Midwest League, while no other teenager is higher than 48th. Salas also has 11 doubles, two triples, a home run, and 24 RBIs in 64 games.
In addition to Salas, 20-year-old left-handed pitcher Robby Snelling (Double-A San Antonio), who started seven games for the ’Caps last year, has also been selected for the Futures Game.
The 2024 All-Star Futures Game will feature the return of several Texas Ranger legends. The AL squad will be managed by 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Adrian Beltré and the NL is set to be led by seven-time all-star Michael Young. Former Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler and first baseman Prince Fielder will serve as bench coaches. The seven-inning contest showcasing the game’s brightest young stars will be broadcast on MLB Network.
Salas and the TinCaps are on the road for the first half of this week, taking on the Lansing Lugnuts (Oakland A’s affiliate). Fort Wayne returns home on July 4th against Lansing for a three-game home series. Tickets are available through TinCaps.com, by calling 260-482-6400, and at the Parkview Field Ticket Office.
Comments