The Miami Marlins prevented third baseman Martin Prado from hitting free agency at season’s end by signing him to a contract extension Tuesday.
According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, the Marlins inked the 32-year-old veteran to a three-year deal that will pay him a total of $40 million through 2019. MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro confirmed the move.
Prado is in the midst of a strong campaign, hitting .305 with seven home runs, 73 RBI and 68 runs scored.
Miami acquired the 11th-year veteran in a trade with the New York Yankees prior to the start of the 2015 season.
Prado spent the first seven years of his career with the Atlanta Braves before stints with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Yanks and Marlins. He was named to his first and only All-Star team in 2010.
While Prado has exclusively manned third base in 2016, he has played all over the diamond during his career, spending extensive time at second base and the corner outfield spots.
Prado has been a fixture in the No. 2 spot of the Marlins lineup this season behind speedster Dee Gordon and in front of power hitters such as Christian Yelich, Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna.
He has excelled at getting on base for Miami’s top hitters, and he is a big reason why the Marlins have surprised many with a 78-78 record so far this season.
Prado is an unheralded player who doesn’t receive much league-wide recognition, but his contributions are undeniable, and the fact that the Marlins managed to keep him means they have a great chance to be competitive in the National League playoff race once again next season.
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