Martin Prado, a Venezuelan-born infielder, began his Major League Baseball career with the Atlanta Braves. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2001, Prado worked his way through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut on April 23, 2006. Initially, he played sparingly, but his consistent performance soon earned him a more regular role.
Prado's breakout season came in 2009 when he became the Braves' primary second baseman. That year, he hit .307 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs, establishing himself as a reliable hitter. His ability to maintain a high batting average and his knack for getting on base made him a valuable asset to the Braves' lineup.
In 2010, Prado was selected for the National League All-Star team, a testament to his growing reputation in the league. He finished the season with a .307 batting average, 15 home runs, and 66 RBIs, helping the Braves reach the postseason. His versatility in the field allowed him to play multiple positions, including second base, third base, and left field, which provided the Braves with flexibility in their lineup.
After the 2012 season, Prado was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a deal for Justin Upton. In Arizona, he continued to be a consistent performer, hitting .282 with 14 home runs and 82 RBIs in 2013. His tenure with the Diamondbacks was relatively short, as he was traded to the New York Yankees in July 2014.
Prado's time with the Yankees was brief but productive. He played in 37 games, hitting .316 with seven home runs. However, in December 2014, he was traded to the Miami Marlins, where he would spend the remainder of his career.
With the Marlins, Prado became a veteran presence on a young team. In 2015, he hit .288 with nine home runs and 63 RBIs. The following year, he posted a .305 batting average, earning him the Miami Marlins' Heart and Hustle Award. His leadership and experience were invaluable to the Marlins, both on and off the field.
Injuries began to take a toll on Prado's performance in the later years of his career. Despite this, he remained a respected figure in the clubhouse, known for his professionalism and work ethic. He played his final MLB game on September 28, 2019, and announced his retirement shortly thereafter.
Throughout his career, Martin Prado was known for his consistent hitting, defensive versatility, and leadership qualities.
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