3. Jung Ho Kang
Sep 11, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang (27) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the sevenh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jung Ho Kang‘s season was unfortunately cut short on September 17 due to a knee injury, but he accomplished enough in 126 games to make him worthy of the third spot in our NL ROY end-of-year rankings.
Kang was a true wild card for the Pirates entering the 2015 campaign after Pittsburgh won the right to sign him from the KBO League in South Korea. The infielder’s resume was extensive, but how would his skills translate to Major League Baseball? Quite well, apparently.
Kang finished the year with a .287/.355/.461 line, 15 home runs and 58 RBI. His 4.0 WAR is good for third among NL rookies. Some positional versatility on the left side of the infield was an added bonus of which the Pirates made use: Kang made 77 appearances at third base and 60 at shortstop.
The Bucs will now keep their fingers crossed that Kang’s offseason rehab goes smoothly and he is ready to join the team for the start of Spring Training.
Next: Rookie #2