Ethan Salas sets MLB record as youngest postseason starting catcher

Venezuelan catcher Ethan Salas has set a Major League Baseball record as the youngest catcher to start a postseason game. At 20 years and 121 days old, Salas was named in the San Diego Padres' starting lineup for Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs.

Salas broke a modern-era record previously held by Bob Didier, who was 20 years and 230 days old when he started a playoff game in 1969. Additionally, Salas became the youngest player to participate in a postseason game for the Padres.

During the 2026 regular season, Salas appeared in 16 games, recording 10 hits and two home runs in 39 at-bats. In his postseason debut, he contributed a sacrifice fly in the second inning to drive in Jackson Merrill, helping the Padres secure an early lead.