Miami Marlins trade rumors: Martin Prado not likely to be moved

The Marlins are not expected to consider moving Martin Prado ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.

“We need him, especially in the clubhouse,” one Marlins person said.

Prado is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and the Marlins will be forced to make a decision with regard to their starting second baseman when Dee Gordon returns at the end of July.

Derek Dietrich, who enters play Friday batting .301, has had a notable amount of success in Gordon’s absence, but the Marlins said they plan to “be creative” when Gordon returns, which makes it seem Gordon could quickly start again.

If the Marlins were open to moving Prado, Dietrich would be the clear favorite to start at third base. But moving Prado might not be valuable, since the Marlins almost certainly wouldn’t receive much in return and Prado is clearly valued in a comparably young Marlins clubhouse.

After acquiring Fernando Rodney from the Padres in exchange for Single-A pitching prospect Chris Paddack on Thursday afternoon, the Marlins will likely focus on acquiring a starting pitcher. Drew Pomeranz and Jake Odorozzi are both options, though adding or not adding Prado is unlikely to make or break a deal.

Several teams expressed interest in Prado last summer, but the Marlins made it clear they had no intention of moving him. That appears to be the case again.