The San Diego Padres hand 16-YEAR-OLD catcher Ethan Salas a huge $5.6 million payday

The San Diego Padres have presented 16-year-old catcher Ethan Salas with a whopping $5.6 million bonus to sign for their organization on day one of the international contract term.

Salas from Caracas, Venezuela is the consensus top overall winner in this year’s class. The left-hander is the younger brother of Jose Salas, one of the best prospects in the Miami Marlins system.

The Salas brothers have a long family tree. Her father, Jose Antonio, played in the Atlanta Braves organization; her uncle Jose Gregorio played in the Toronto Blue Jays system; and her grandfather, Jose Gregorio, played in the systems of the Houston Astros and the Kansas City Royals.

Ethan Salas has signed with the San Diego Padres in a $5.6 million bonus

The 16-year-old was named No. 1 overall prospect in the 2023 international class

According to scouting reports, Salas has raw power at the plate and strong defensive skills.

Also on Sunday, the Washington Nationals signed outfielder Elian Soto, the 17-year-old brother of Padres right fielder Juan Soto. The Nationals sold Juan Soto to the Padres in a blockbuster deal on Aug. 2.

The Texas Rangers signed outfielder Pablo Guerrero, son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and younger brother of Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr.