Martin Prado has been a key bat for the Miami Marlins in 2016. The 32-year-old veteran is continuing to put up strong numbers and reports have surfaced that the club is willing to sign the third baseman to a multi-year deal.
When thinking of a player like a Martin Prado, many see a solid, albeit unspectacular hitter, who can provide consistency without having much flash. The Miami Marlins infielder is once again having another solid year on a Marlins team that has been perhaps a bit more competitive than some might have thought coming into the season.
At 32 years old, Prado is having his best season since 2010, when he appeared in his first and only All-Star Game. As of September 12, the 11-year veteran is hitting for an impressive .310 batting average, in addition to his on-base clip of .362, which is the highest it’s been in eight seasons. Prado has never been much of a power hitter and is still not a threat this season, launching just seven balls over the fence in the 137 games he has appeared in.
Since making his major league debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2006, Prado has been one of the more effective utility men in the baseball. He’s played every position but catcher and center field. But over the past two years, he has caught on with the Marlins as their primary third baseman. His consistency and versatility have certainly been assets for a team that seems to be on the rise, at least on the offensive side of the things. This is why the team could possibly be looking to lock up their soon-to-be free agent before the offseason even begins.
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According to a recent column from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, “The Marlins want to keep impending free agent Martin Prado and a two-year deal is a growing possibility.”
Locking up Prado now would be a smart move because this would allow the Marlins to put all of their attention on improving their subpar rotation over the winter. However, there is no need to overpay the veteran as the club still has a promising young third base option in Derek Dietrich.
At just 27 years old, Dietrich is obviously younger and cheaper than Prado. He is also almost as versatile of a fielder having played every position but shortstop, while dabbling in some outfield work as well. He’s shown to be capable at the plate too, carrying a .273 batting average in 374 plate appearances.
Ultimately, re-signing Prado and keeping Dietrich in a bench role would maintain the club’s current lineup. This would be a great thing for the Marlins because the team’s greatest strength is its young and dynamic offense. We’ll see if the two sides can come together and work out a deal soon. It would certainly make things much easier on Marlins management in terms of the work that they have to do in filling out the roster in the offseason, and it would ensure that the club would trot out the same potent lineup they’ve had for the majority of this season.
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Would signing Prado to an extension be a smart move? Make sure to share your thoughts about a potential Prado contract extension in the comments below.