New York Yankees Editorial: Has The Door Been Opened For Martin Prado Reunion?
The New York Yankees have stood by and watched as teams have made blockbuster moves gearing up for the postseason. One of those moves, the Kansas City Royals trade for Ben Zobrist, gives the Yankees one less competitor for one of their main targets, Martin Prado, who they also acquired at last season’s trade deadline.
With Zobrist now on the roster, the Royals have no need for Prado, who, like Zobrist, is desired for his versatility. While the Miami Marlins originally had no intention of trading Prado, as they didn’t want to break a promise to Giancarlo Stanton that they wouldn’t sell, they have seemingly accepted their fate as non-contenders.
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For a team that is looking to the future, keeping Prado makes little sense. Prado is 31, and under contract through 2016, when he will make $11 million (the Yankees are already on the hook for $3 million), and the market is lacking impact bats.
One AL official, who confirmed Miami’s initial desire to keep Prado, stated that has now changed:
"They are now open to at least contemplate [moving him]."
Another executive, with long ties to the organization, stated:
"Their history is pretty clear, they will say whatever, but at the end of the day, if they can save money, they save money."
Prado would be a strong fit with the Yankees as he could serve as an alternative option to Stephen Drew and newly acquired Dustin Ackley at second base, and someone who could give Chase Headley a rest at third base, while providing security at the corner outfield spots. Prado, who is a strong presence in the clubhouse, is attractive to many teams due to his versatility.
Prado hasn’t performed well this season, as he his hitting .277 with an OPS of just .686, but the Yankees have seen first-hand how he can impact a division race, as he hit .316 with an OPS of .877 in 37 games for the team last season before being shut down on September 15 with an appendectomy.
With options on the trade market now dwindling, Prado’s name surely will be tossed around by many GM’s in the hours before the trade deadline. For Yankees GM Brian Cashman, Prado is a familiar player, and even after acquiring Ackley, could be a target.
What do you think Yankees fans? Should the Yankees make Prado a trade deadline priority? Let us know below.
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