Korean infielder Jung-ho Kang has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates as reported by Jim Bowden of ESPN.
Kang has agreed to terms with Pirates 4yrs with 5th yr option at approx 16m
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) January 12, 2015
Kang is expected to fly to Pittsburgh and undergo a physical on Thursday or Friday. If he signs with the team and passes the physical, he will stay in Pittsburgh as reported by Jeeho Yoo of the Yonhap News Agency out of Seoul, South Korea.
Also according to the Heroes, Kang will remain in the U.S. if he signs with the Bucs during this trip.. — Jeeho Yoo (@Jeeho_1) January 12, 2015
The 28-year-old posted a slash line of .354/.457/.733 with a 1.198 OPS, 40 home runs and 115 RBI in 116 games last season in the offensive-friendly KBO (Korean Baseball organization) while helping lead the Nexen Heroes to the Korea Series — the KBO’s Championship Series — and league MVP honors.
While those numbers wont exactly translate to the Majors, Kang’s offensive output could still be above-average in a middle-infield spot.
Kang’s defense could pose as a problem, however, as scouts see him as a solid bench/utility player. Yoo reports that Kang’s defense is not what you see out of a typical Major League infielder. He has played second base, shortstop and third base in Korea.
Has that reputation for botching routine plays; doesn’t usually charge at the ball but waits for it, and uses his arm to get guys out — Jeeho Yoo (@Jeeho_1) January 12, 2015
Not sure how that’s gonna fly in the bigs (natural grass, faster runners, and guys actually trying to run out ground balls, etc)
— Jeeho Yoo (@Jeeho_1) January 12, 2015
While that is a problem, it can be fixed in time by the Pirates coaches and staff.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
