Miami Marlins want to keep Martin Prado

In different ways, Martin Prado has proven to be a valuable asset for the Marlins.

Last season, Prado served as a leader in a clubhouse that was seemingly divided once Dan Jennings went from the front office to the dugout. Since the All-Star break this season, Prado has kept Miami focused as it competed for a Wild Card spot.

While several clubs, including the Phillies, are expected to express interest in Prado this winter, the Marlins want to re-sign their third baseman and are considering a two-year deal, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

The Marlins want to keep impending free agent Martin Prado and a two-year deal is a growing possibility.

Prado, 32, is an impending free agent who is having a productive 2016 campaign with the Marlins. Over 137 games, he is batting .310/.362/.419 with seven home runs and 66 RBIs.

Last season with the Marlins, Prado batted .288 with 63 RBIs over 129 games.

A career .293 hitter, Prado could continue to protect or hit in front of Giancarlo Stanton in Miami’s lineup.

Although it seems Prado enjoys playing with the Marlins, he could be in a position to accept the most valuable deal he is offered. With Stanton, Christian Yelich, Wei-Yin Chen and Jose Fernandez on the payroll, the Marlins might not be able to make the best offer.

If Stanton is healthy and Fernandez pitches well next season, the Marlins again might be a few pieces away from making the postseason. That too could factor into Prado’s decision.

Miami doesn’t have much third base depth, so re-signing Prado could prove to be one of the Marlins’ offseason priorities.