20-Year-Old Ethan Salas Makes MLB History With 2 Home Runs

Ethan Salas stepped up to the plate Wednesday night and launched his first major league home run 426 feet into center field. Then he did it again, making baseball history in the process.

At 20 years and 107 days old, the San Diego Padres catcher became the youngest backstop in MLB history to hit two home runs in a single game. He's also the youngest Padre at any position to accomplish the feat.

"I'm just a kid playing baseball, man," Salas said with a grin after the Padres' 9-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies. "So it's pretty crazy to be in company with such high-caliber guys like that."

Those "high-caliber guys" include Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, and current teammate Manny Machado. They're the only players at any position to hit multiple homers in a game at a younger age than Salas in the last 20 years.

The milestone caps a remarkable journey for baseball's top international prospect from 2023. The Padres called up Salas to help with their playoff push, making him the youngest catcher in the majors in 35 years.

He struggled at first, going hitless in his first 15 at-bats. But Salas notched his first big league hit Sunday with a triple in San Francisco, and everything clicked from there.

Even during his offensive struggles, Padres pitchers raved about his work behind the plate. Veteran pitcher Robbie Ray, throwing to Salas for the first time Wednesday, praised the young catcher's preparation and game management.

"He was great back there today," Ray said. "We had a gameplan going into it. He was with me on the gameplan the whole time."

Why This Inspires

Salas embodies maturity beyond his years. Between his two historic home runs, he returned to the dugout to discuss strategy with Ray for the next inning. His focus remains squarely on his catching duties, viewing offense as secondary.

"I'm just trying to be as prepared as I can with the pitchers, honestly," Salas explained. "Just try to stay as dialed as I can behind the plate."

Manager Craig Stammen marvels at what Salas handles daily. Learning every pitcher's style, developing game plans, calling pitches, and somehow finding time to hit major league pitching would overwhelm most 20-year-olds.

The Padres' faith in their youngest player is paying off exactly when it matters most. With Wednesday's win and help from other results, San Diego now controls its own destiny for a playoff spot with a 3.5 game lead.

Salas isn't just making history. He's helping his team chase October baseball while showing the baseball world that age is just a number when talent meets preparation.