Reports of teams showing interest in Marlins infielder Martin Prado have been circulating for weeks, but to this point, there’s been little to suggest that the Marlins are open to moving the versatile 31-year-old. However, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com now reports that the Marlins are at least open to moving Prado, though it would take something “big,” and the team is still reluctant to part with him (Twitter links).
A shoulder sprain cost Prado about a month this summer, but he’s been roughly as productive since returning from the DL as he was prior to the injury. Overall, he’s hitting .273/.312/.369 and playing strong defense at third base, as he has whenever he’s been asked to man the hot corner throughout his career. Prado is capable of handling multiple positions, though, as he’s logged more than 2000 innings at third base, second base and left field in his career. Defensive metrics consider him a bit below average at second base, but he again grades out quite well in left.
Prado is earning $11MM in both 2015 and 2016, though the Yankees are picking up $3MM of the tab on that salary in each season. Prado has been connected to several teams, including the Mets and, most recently, the Royals. Frisaro, though, hears that Kansas City’s interest in Prado at this time is “minimal.” Given his defensive versatility, Prado would likely draw interest from many of the same teams that have been connected to Ben Zobrist.
The Marlins, though, seem to value Prado beyond his production — a significant return on a player whose park-adjusted production is about 10 percent below the league average seems unlikely. Much has been written about Miami’s appreciation of Prado’s leadership and clubhouse presence, but the Marlins would have a better hope at obtaining something notable in return were his production at the plate closer to the .289/.339/.423 line (108 OPS+) that he recorded from 2012-14.
Is this a joke? Let them keep him then.
The Marlins aren’t always a joke, but somehow they always make you laugh.
Prado has been traded twice in the last year and neither time did he land a “big return.” Prado is hitting worse now and is one year closer to FA. Good luck landing a big return.
He was traded for a B level catching prospect, and then again for a pitcher with control problems and a LH platoon 1B.
He isn’t getting a “big return” lol.
Classic Marlins
Pitcher with control problems? Nathan Eovaldi may have a lot of problems, but none of them involve his control. His control is actually excellent. He has a 2.83 BB/9 for his career and it’s barely been over 2.00 over the last two years with a 1.94 BB/9 last year and a 2.42 mark this year.
Eovaldi got 99 problems but control ain’t one.
Hits, now those are a problem.
Straight fastball – plenty of velocity, little movement. He’s gotta get some life on that – and get an out pitch somehow.
he’s a big fish..
I guess it’s another way of saying he isn’t available
Are they trying to make up for Eovaldi looking considerably better this year or something? Prado is a nifty piece, but worth a big return? No thanks.
Eovaldi is looking like the same pitcher they traded, no big improvement there.
Have you been watching him? I don’t like isolating bad games, but if you take away his blowout in MIA, his era would be in the 3.50 range, which lines up with his FIP pretty well. Also, since that start, he’s worked to an ERA under 3, and looked better just about every game, stuff wise. He’s hands down looking better this season. Hits are still a problem, but progression is definitely taking place.
His FIP is 3.52.. He gave up 8 hits yesterday and his fastball is straight as an arrow.. His Whip is 1.47!!
Edit: Sorry 3.42
Eovaldi’s 2014 and 2015 ERA, FIP, xFIP, K/9, H/9 and WHIP are all pretty much identical. The only significant change is his W/L record.
I think what’s being lost in the numbers is the progression as the season has gone on, notably pitch selection and use of his secondary stuff has noticeably improved since the beginning of the season, which those who watch him every 5 days notice. Hits are still a major problem, but I never said he was a finished product. Maybe plainly stating he’s a considerably better pitcher is bullish, because the numbers haven’t caught up to those conclusions yet, partially because of a weak start to the season, but I genuinely believe that if he continues to pitch the way he has as the season has gone on, the numbers will reflect my point.
LMFAO… If you say he is the same pitcher he saw last year then you know shit!!
Yes the fast ball is still straight and he gives up hits but take away that Miami game and he is a completely different player. Last year he was a thrower but the guy is actually becoming a pitcher.
How many HR have he given up?
Fewer hard hit balls and more ground balls.
Mixing up his pitches more often and changing eye angles.
By next year, the Yankees will have a stud and it will be a steal.
A lot better? Just because he gets a ton of run support doesn’t make him better..
Must be a marketing ploy by the fish to show upcoming FAs “we won’t trade you unless we get players much better than you–and in that case, you’re gone!” just like every other one of their big FA signings or players they have traded for in the past…
I like Prado’s versatility as a player, but nothing about him screams “big return”. Most teams would trade a utilityman for a big return.
Realistically, what can they say? he’s a useful player who just costs money–if they can get a big return for him it makes perfect sense to ask, especially when the Zobrist talk is going on.
Both Prado and Carlos Gomez’ contracts expire in 2016. Gomez will be due 9 million and Prado 8 million. You tell me who youre giving a big return for?
Very well put..
Maybe the Yankees can give them Eovaldi back for him.. They can then promote Severino to take his spot in the rotation.. I doubt the Marlins would call Eovaldi a big return though..
Hey Mets, The reds will trade you Todd Frazier + Mike leake for your 2 top hitting prospects and Zack Wheeler.
Some Team will over pay for Prado, Probably Royals but Yankees are in that mode too!
I tend to limit my big offers to players who sport an OPS over 700. That’s just me though.
How about Chris Johnson for Martin Prado? Would love to see him back in ATL!