Pittsburgh Pirates not expecting Jung Ho Kang in 2018
By David Hill
The Pittsburgh Pirates may be without infielder Jung Ho Kang once again during the 2018 season.
Following the 2016 season, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang had been arrested, and later convicted, for his third drunk driving offense. That conviction left Kang unable to get a work visa, leaving him in South Korea for the entire 2017 campaign. Meanwhile, the Pirates found themselves in a bind at third base, using eight different players at the position.
This year may be more of the same. Once again, the Pirates are not expecting Kang to be able to return stateside, and potentially solidify the third base position. However, at least this time, they are aware that Kang may not be coming back early in the offseason, allowing time to recognize the potential hole in their lineup.
For his part, Kang has been attempting to stay in baseball shape. The Pirates had sent over a state of the art pitching machine last year, one capable of mimicking any pitch thrown in the majors. Earlier this offseason, he had headed to the Dominican Republic to take part in the Winter League, hoping to get his timing back for a possible return to the majors this year.
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Those plans did not come to fruition. Kang struggled during his time with Aguilas Cibaenas. After missing the entire 2017 campaign, he did not look like the same player he had been with the Pirates, producing a meager .143/.219/.202 batting line, with just three extra base hits in his 92 plate appearances. Even more concerning, Kang has struck out 31 times, and made four errors in the field. Understandably, he was released by Aguilas.
At this point, one has to wonder whether or not Kang will be able to return to the majors. Even if we ignore the legal issues, and whether or not he can earn a work visa, Kang’s future production is questionable. If nothing else, he may need a long stint in the minors before being able to produce for the Pirates.
This time, the Pirates have enough warning to find a backup option. David Freese had been a solid player last season, but he also spent some time on the disabled list. Sean Rodriguez and Josh Harrison could play third if need be, and there are plenty of utility options available if the Pirates decide they need additional depth in case of another injury.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are heading into the 2018 season with the expectations that Jung Ho Kang will not return. At least this time, they can make plans.