(Washington Insider Magazine) – Salas signed for a total of $5.6 million dollars just as his father had done more than 20 years ago.
Venezuelan catcher Ethan Salas became this Sunday the player with the largest bonus in history on the first day of international signings of new talents in the Major Leagues, when he received $5.6 million dollars from the San Diego Padres.
Salas’ transaction with San Diego was one of the first to become official once the signing period began on January 15 and he immediately claimed his status as one of the most important prospects in baseball despite his 16 years.
Negotiation Made by Salas
In the same way, the negotiation made Salas the highest international signing in history, which was in the hands of the Dominican Jackson Domínguez, who received $5.1 million dollars in 2019 to join the New York Yankees.
Salas was followed by shortstop Felnin Celestén, who was given a $4.7 million signing bonus by the Seattle Mariners. According to several scouts, Celesten shapes up as a player with all five tools: batting average, power, speed, defense and arm strength.
Other signings went to Cuban outfielder Brandon Mayea, who can play all three outfield positions and settled for $4.4 million with the Yankees.
As a curiosity, Salas is also the younger brother of Miami Marlins prospect José Salas and both his grandfather and his father received signing bonuses in the past, but he is not the only signing looking to build a family dynasty in MLB.
The son of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero and brother of Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Pablo Guerrero signed with the Rangers for a $100,000 bonus plus a $50,000 scholarship.
For his part, Elian Soto, Juan Soto’s younger brother, signed with Washington for a $225,000 bonus plus a $200,000 scholarship.
This article is authored by Miguel Rapetti.
