Miami Marlins improve infield by trading for Martin Prado

On Friday afternoon at Marlins Park, Miami Marlins President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill said the Marlins were going to take a step back after adding Mat Latos, Dan Haren, Dee Gordon, and Michael Morse.

"We want to take a step back and see what is still out there," Hill said. "We are still going to see if there are any ways we can improve our ballclub. We loved the moves we have been able to make, and checked off a lot of boxes."

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Marlins are not done, reportedly having traded Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Jones, and Domingo German to the Yankees in exchange for Martin Prado, David Phelps, and cash.

Can confirm @JackCurryYES #Yankees #Marlins finalizing Prado/Phelps for Garret Jones/Nate Eovaldi

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 19, 2014

The Marlins were talking to teams about Eovaldi at the Winter Meetings, and MLB Network Radio's Craig Mish heard Eovaldi was not in Miami's long term plans. Eovaldi, 24, posted a 4.37 ERA and 3.37 FIP in 199.2 innings pitched for the Marlins last season. To this point in his career, Eovaldi has yet to prove that he can find the strike zone consistently. He was the key return in the Hanley Ramirez deal, and was projected to be a number two starter. A Jose Fernandez/Eovaldi one/two punch on paper is attractive, however Eovaldi at times has had trouble commanding his offspeed pitches.

Miami is still unsure if Dan Haren will play for the Marlins in 2015, and he was not on hand for Friday's press conference. If Haren chooses to retire, losing Eovaldi will be manageable because of the addition of Phelps. Phelps, 28, posted a 4.38 ERA and 4.41 FIP in 113.0 innings last season. He started 17 games, and could see time in Miami's rotation. Before the offseason started, the Marlins had a notable amount of pitching depth. The club rightfully used some of it to upgrade several positions, and as a result should improve in 2015. If Phelps does not make the rotation, Brad Hand can be a fifth starter and Phelps can pitch out of the bullpen.

Although the Marlins were not looking to add another infielder after acquring Dee Gordon, Prado should prove to be an upgrade at third base over Casey McGehee. Prado posted a .282/.321/.412 line in 143 games last season. McGehee had a solid first half, but batted .243 in the second half of the season. The Marlins have yet to note the role Prado will play, but McGehee could draw interest from teams looking for third base depth. Ultmately, the Marlins could use Prado as a utility man or keep McGehee as a veteran bat on the bench.

German was the Marlins' eighth best prospect, and as a result, might be their biggest loss in the deal. He could turn into a solid major league pitcher, however the Marlins dealt him in order to add players that can help them win now.

With Giancarlo Stanton under contract for at least six more seasons, the Marlins are in "win now" mode. And after this offseason's moves, punctuated by Friday's deal, appear in a good position to do so.