Kansas City Royals: Second Base Trade Market

Jul 20, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Martin Prado (14) turns a double play on Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder

(5) during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Martin Prado has also been strongly rumored to the Kansas City Royals, which makes sense as he’s also a guy who can play both corner outfield positions, third, and second base. 

Prado, however, doesn’t bring either the same kind of bat to the table, or the same type of defense as Ben Zobrist. While the 31-year-old Prado has a career 106 OPS+ (6% above league-average), he’s only slashing .273/.312/.369 this season with 14 doubles, 1 triple, and 4 home runs. That line translates to an 88 OPS+, which rates 12% worse than a league-average batter.

Still, Prado is hitting a lot better than the offensive dumpster fire that is Omar Infante (.230/.243/.307)

Martin Prado is really Ben Zobrist-lite. I suppose if the price is too high for Zobrist, then Dayton Moore could settle for Prado. However, metrics show that Prado is a below-average defender at second base over his career (though he’s quite good at third base).

Even so, Prado can help. Prado can enter the lineup if the Kansas City Royals need hitting, with Infante playing if manager Ned Yost wants defense. Martin Prado can also insure against an outfield disaster and give Yost some flexibility when using pinch hitters.

Next: Colorado Rockies DJ LeMahieu