Pittsburgh Pirates: Jung Ho Kang Reportedly Denied Visa to Enter U.S.
By Tim Haberin
Infielder Jung Ho Kang might not play for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season after his visa request to enter the U.S. was reportedly denied.
Jung Ho Kang‘s off-the-field woes continue, as the Pittsburgh Pirates infielder has reportedly been denied a visa to re-enter the United States. According to Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the report of Kang’s visa denial came from the Korean Naver Sports website. This latest development has cast doubt on Kang’s chances of playing for the Pirates at all in 2017.
Kang had been in his native South Korea for sentencing in connection to a DUI arrest – his third – in December. He crashed into a guard rail in the early morning hours, and his blood-alcohol level tested above the legal limit. Kang received an eight-month suspended sentence and will not go to jail if he maintains a clean record over the next two years, per the Post-Gazette.
Even if Kang, who turns 30 next month, was able to obtain a visa, it’s likely he would face additional discipline from the Pirates and/or Major League Baseball. Brink says that Kang has already agreed to enter a rehabilitation program as recommended by the joint treatment panel set up in the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
The Pirates were apparently unaware of Kang’s previous two DUI arrests when they signed him after playing nine seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).
This isn’t the first serious incident caused by Kang since joining the Pirates in 2015. He was accused of sexual assault in Chicago last year, although the case has not moved forward due to a failure to cooperate by the alleged victim.
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Aside from the obvious severity of the offenses themselves, Kang’s personal issues are especially frustrating to the Pirates considering how surprisingly productive he’s been for them on the field. They didn’t really know what they were getting when they signed him, as there was not a particularly robust track record of KBO players enjoying success in Major League Baseball.
However, Kang impressed in his debut campaign, finishing third in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He slashed .287/.355/.461 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI in 126 games. In 2016, he posted a .255/.354/.513 line with 21 homers and 62 RBI over 103 contests. Kang also provided some versatility in his ability to play both third base and shortstop.
Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle didn’t sound too bullish on the possibility of Kang returning to the club soon, telling MLB Network Radio, “I don’t know those chances. We’re staying in contact with Jung Ho & his interpreter.” Brink adds that Kang’s agent Alan Nero did not respond to a request for comment.
If Kang is indeed out for an extended period of time – perhaps even the entire season – veteran David Freese will likely handle third base duties. The 33-year-old put together a solid season last year at the plate, batting .270/.352/.412 along with 13 homers and 55 RBI. Although Freese doesn’t present the upside of Kang, the Pirates can survive with similar numbers.
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Meanwhile, Jordy Mercer (SS), Josh Harrison (2B) and Josh Bell (1B) will round out the rest of the Opening Day starting infield. Pittsburgh is hoping to bounce back after a disappointing season in a tough division, and Kang’s continued controversy won’t help.