Should the Marlins add Martin Prado to their coaching staff?

Would the soon-to-be 36-year-old Martin Prado be better served as a coach on the Marlins staff in 2020?

Instead of asking him to return to the team as a utility player in 2020, could the Miami Marlins find a spot for veteran Martin Prado on their coaching staff?

As part of his most recent “Inbox“ feature on MLB.com, Joe Frisaro discussed the possibility as it was brought up by a fan. As we discussed many times over here at Marlon maniac, the thought of Prado playing anywhere else but in Miami is unthinkable, but given the fact that his contract is up, it’s a real possibility.

“Now that Martin Prado’s three-year, $40 million contract has expired, the 35-year-old will become a free agent after the World Series,” Frisaro points out. “At that point, he will explore all his options, and also get input from his family, as to whether he wants to keep playing.”

The last few seasons of his career have not been kind to Prado as injuries have forced him to miss more time away from the field and he has played on the diamond. He is still considered one of the most respected members of the Marlins clubhouse and several younger players have credited him with showing them the way to be a true professional in this game.

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When Prado hit the 100th home run of his career in the final game of the 2019 season, it was a reason for joy and a somber moment. Players knew exactly how important it was to reach such a milestone as well as the fact they may no longer play with one of their heroes. The image of Starlin Castro and Miguel Rojas hugging their friend and teammate may be the image that best defines the 2019 season in Miami.

“If he decides to call it quits as a player after 14 big league seasons, the Marlins absolutely should make a strong push to hire him in some capacity. The organization is already thinking this way,” Frisaro added.

Players knew exactly how important it was to reach such a milestone as well as the fact that they may no longer play with one of their heroes.

In December of 2014, the New York Yankees traded Prado and David Phelps to the Miami Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones, and Domingo German. He has spent most of his career at third base but has also played first and been a clutch player until injuries have hurt his time on the field. Last season, he shuffled between third base, where he split time with Brian Anderson, and first base, where he shared duties with Neil Walker.

“Prado could do anything he wants because he offers so much value,” Frisaro wrote. “And coaching may be what he wants to do, but he and his wife are raising a family, and the grind of coaching may not be right for him, at this time.”

The Marlins do have an opening for a bench coach and a third-base coach on their staff.