Martin Prado had a very underrated major league career. Now, the Miami Marlins infielder may be ready to retire.
During his major league career, Martin Prado was the type of player any franchise would like to have. Despite his limited power, Prado was a solid hitter, showing excellent contact skills and a strong batting eye. He was also versatile defensively, spending time around the infield and at both corner outfield positions. In a perfect world, Prado was the perfect utility man.
However, that time may be coming to an end. After spending the last five years with the Miami Marlins, Prado is reportedly ready to call it a career, as he has told his friends that he is likely to retire.
Martin Prado has told friends he will likely retire. Very nice career, fine leader but last few years were injury plagued.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 6, 2019
If this is the end of the line for Prado, he certainly had a respectable career. The 2010 All Star posted a .287/.335/.412 batting line, hitting 316 doubles and exactly 100 homers. While those numbers may not stand out, Prado did produce a 103 OPS+ over his career, proving to be an above average hitter.
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Prado was also a strong defensive player. He had over 250 appearances at left, second, and third, with the majority of his time coming at the hot corner. In just 793 games at third, Prado saved 27 runs, which was the ninth best amongst active third basemen. He also saved 13 runs in left, and led the league with 15 runs saved in 2012.
The last few years have not been what Prado, or the Marlins, would have wanted. Since signing a three year extension in 2016, he has dealt with a myriad of leg injuries. Over the past three years, Prado played a total of 195 games; his .241/.276/.313 batting line a shell of his former productivity.
If Prado changes his mind and looks to return next year, he would likely have to settle for a minor league deal. Teams would still be interested in his services, as he would make an interesting lottery ticket given his past production and defensive versatility. But is that really something he would want to do?
Martin Prado has been a solid player in the majors during most of his major league career. If this is indeed the end of the line, his rough final years with the Miami Marlins should not detract from the player he had been.