Joe Frisaro of MLB.com says the Florida Marlins want to keep second baseman Dan Uggla not only for the short term but for the long run. The team is strongly considering signing the two-time All Start to a multi-year contract after the season.

“If it’s true, it feels good,” Uggla said of the chance to sign for several seasons. “I think everybody knows that I’d love to stay in South Florida. It’s my second home. I love the people down there. I love everything it has to offer. It would make me a very happy man.”

Uggla will be in his final year of salary arbitration after the season, and it’s been expected that he would receive a salary in the $10 million range. If the Marlins sign him to a long-term deal, they’ll buy out that year of arbitration eligibility and sign him several years into his free agency eligibility.

Uggla has been mentioned in trade rumors with teams that desperately need infield help such as the Colorado Rockies.