Player Profile: Martin Prado

What an off-season the Marlins have had in acquiring great talent, mostly in the trade market. Nevertheless, many thought the Marlins would go into the 2015 season with Casey McGehee manning the hot corner. The trade with the Yankees this past week was a major turning point. The Marlins acquired Martin Prado, David Phelps, and cash considerations in exchange for Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones, and pitching prospect Domingo German. The acquisition of Prado made the front office analyze an interesting situation. Can Prado be a better option than McGehee?

McGehee was named the NL Comeback Player of The Year for the 2014 season, hitting .287 with 4 homers and 76 runs batted in. He was very clutch hitting behind Stanton for the first half of the season. The second half McGehee struggled and was not consistent offensively. On the defensive side, although McGehee led all NL 3B in fielding percentage, his range at his age was a bit of a question mark. Martin Prado,in the Marlins’ eyes, was a better option for the team moving forward. In result, the Marlins traded Casey McGehee to the Giants in exchange for pitching prospects, of which they needed due to the amount they gave up in trades this offseason. Did the Marlins make the right decision?

More from Marlin Maniac

• Miami Marlins news: Another target gone
• Why didn’t the Miami Marlins sign JDM?
• Miami Marlins rejected Boston‘s trade offer
• Miami Marlins are pursuing Michael Conforto
• Miami Marlins need to spend to win

Martin Prado hit .282 with 12 homers driving in 58 runs combined in games with Arizona and New York in 2014. The 31 year old posted a 3.4 WAR and his utility is something teams love in players. Prado can play 2nd, short, and 3rd, as well as the outfield. One concern is that he made 13 errors last year as a 3rd baseman. On the other hand, his range and arm strength is much better than McGehee, meaning he can take away bunt hits at a better percentage, as that was something McGehee struggled to do last season.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Prado also provides more depth to the lineup as he introduces more speed and can easily adapt into any spot in the order as well as multiple positions on the field. Prado has always been a player that the Marlins hated playing against as he’s hit .313 in his career against Miami. In a small sample size of 45 AB, Prado has hit .289 at Marlins Park. Prado is a nice gap to gap hitter and would fit nicely at the spacious stadium. Overall, Martin Prado is an upgrade over Casey McGehee.

That is what the Marlins have been doing this offseason. They have not only acquired already proven talent, but talent that fits within their home ballpark. This is an interesting technique which can turn to success, and many trust the revamped Miami front office. President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill, and General Manager Dan Jennings have assembled a playoff contending team, which has made many Marlins fans as well as fans all around the game excited for this upcoming season.