Ethan Bates was acquired by the Saltdogs via a trade from Yuba-Sutter of the Pioneer League on August 13, 2025

2024:  Concluded his college career at Louisiana Tech, going 2-1, with a 3.43 ERA in 36 appearances with 17 saves.  In 44.2 innings, Bates struck out 52 and walked 20.  Bates was crowned the Conference USA Player-of-the-Year.  He also hit .328 with 15 home runs, a league-best 20 doubles, 69 RBI and an OPS of 1.049.

Bates jumped into professional baseball with the YOLO High Wheelers, of the Pioneer League.  He appeared in ten games, going 0-0 with a 3.07 ERA, with 10 strikeouts and eight walks.

2023:  In his junior year with the Ragin’ Cajuns, Bates went 4-3, with a 3.02 ERA, in 25 appearances with 10 saves.  In 44.2 innings, Bates, struck out 57 and walked 14.  Bates earned Conference USA First-Team Honors as a Utility Player.

During the summer, Bates played for Hyannis Harbor Hawks in the Cape Cod League.  In three games, he had two starts going 0-0 with a 6.00 ERA.  In 9.0 innings, he struck out 11 and walked five.