Marlins Extend Prado For Three Years, Exercise Option On Ichiro
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The ink on the Miami Marlins season has barely dried but the team is already working towards improving itself for 2017.
The Marlins announced on Wednesday that third baseman Martin Prado had been signed to a three-year contract extension.
Additionally, the team exercised its option on outfielder Ichiro Suzuki to bring him back for another season.
The Marlins also announced the firing of hitting coach Barry Bonds, third base coach Lenny Harris and bullpen coach Reid Cornelius.
Miami finished fourth in the majors in batting at .263 but fourth-lowest in runs at 655 and next-to-last with 128 homers. The Marlins improved in all three categories from 2015.
Manager Don Mattingly said the organization decided to move in a different direction with its coaching staff.
"I don't need to get into the reasons really with anything with Barry," Mattingly said. "We feel like any time you talk about coaches and letting someone go those are not easy things to talk about. We'll just try to get the best guy for the situation."
Bonds made a full-time return to baseball this season when he joined the Marlins. Owner Jeffrey Loria suggested hiring the steroids-tainted home run king and Mattingly went along with the idea.
Bonds, who hit 762 home runs, ended his playing career in 2007.
Prado hit .305 with eight home runs, 37 doubles and 75 RBIs while providing steady veteran leadership in the clubhouse.
The 42-year old Suzuki became the 30th player in the majors to reach 3,000 hits. He batted .291 in 143 games.
"I think he probably will play until he's 50 and that seems fine by us," Marlins president David Samson said.
In August, the Marlins were in contention for their first playoff berth since 2003. But Miami finished 79-82 and missed the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season, the second-longest drought in baseball behind Seattle at 15 years.
The Marlins dealt with the death of ace pitcher Jose Fernandez in a boating accident on Sept. 25. Teammates spent the last week of the season grieving their charismatic pitcher.
"There's no replacing Jose," Samson said.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
