Pittsburgh Pirates Looking at Life Without Jung Ho Kang
By David Hill
The Pittsburgh Pirates have faced the reality that Jung Ho Kang will not return this season. Now, they have to wonder if he will ever be allowed to continue his playing career stateside.
Heading into the 2017 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates knew they would be without infielder Jung Ho Kang for part of the season. Following his third drunk driving arrest in South Korea, and his subsequent denial when he applied for a visa, the Pirates knew it would take some time for Kang’s situation to work its way out. However, they expected that he would return at some point, either this season or next year at the latest.
Instead, the Pirates may have to face life without Kang. General Manager Neil Huntington admitted that Kang may never get a visa again, would would end his major league career. It is an eventuality the Pirates appear to have started to face, as they acquired Sean Rodriguez from the Braves.
Even with the acquisition of Rodriguez, the Pirates are still missing Kang’s bat in the lineup. In his two seasons in the majors, he has posted a a solid .273/.355/.483 batting line, hitting 36 homers and 43 doubles. Kang has also played both short and third, giving the Pirates solid versatility in the infield.
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However, that production has been countered by his off the field issues. In addition to his penchant for driving under the influence, Kang was also accused of sexual assault. While charges have yet to be filed, the case remains open and under investigation.
Kang’s return would be a best case scenario for the Pirates. He would likely slot in at third, allowing Rodriguez to become a super utility player for Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, David Freese would be a solid backup corner infielder, giving the Pirates a great deal of depth. With an improved lineup, and deeper bench, the Pirates may have one last run in them in 2018.
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Of course, that depends on whether or not Jung Ho Kang can return to the United States. The Pittsburgh Pirates are not waiting around for that to happen.