1. C Ethan Salas | 20 | MLB | 2026 

A defensive wunderkind behind the dish who signed for $5.6 million as a 16-year-old, Salas erupted with the bat in 2026 and wound up in the majors about six weeks after he turned 20. San Diego’s is often among the most work-intensive reports to write because there’s so much turnover within the system, but Salas has been a cornerstone in the pipeline. This should be his last time on the list. He might even push for rookie of the year in a class that could be a little light on guys who earn early playing time.