Pittsburgh Pirates: Time to say goodbye to Jung Ho Kang
By David Hill
The Pittsburgh Pirates have held out hope that Jung Ho Kang will return to their roster in the future. It’s time to face facts and say good bye.
It had been hoped that Jung Ho Kang would be part of the future for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The versatile infielder had provided solid offense at third and short for Pittsburgh, producing a .273/.355/.483 batting line with 36 homers over his two seasons. He may not have been the slugger he was in the Korean Baseball Organization, but he was still a productive hitter. Considering the track record of players coming from the KBO over the past few seasons, Kang had become one of the few players to perform relatively well.
Now, his major league future is in question. His third drunk driving conviction led to his being barred from receiving a work visa to return to the Pirates. Seeking to remain in baseball shape, Kang had traveled to the Dominican Winter League. However, he had flamed out in spectacular fashion, striking out at an elevated rate and failing to produce the type of offense that he had been known for.
Even with those struggles, and his indefinite future in the majors, there is one way for Kang to get back into professional baseball. His former KBO organization, the Nexen Heroes, is hoping to work out an agreement where Kang is released from his major league contract, allowing him to pursue other opportunities in his home country.
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At this point, it would make sense. The Pirates have nothing but uncertainty with Kang right now, to the point where they do not know if he will ever return. As it is, they are heading into the 2018 campaign expecting that Kang will be forced to remain in Korea, leaving them without a third baseman for the coming year.
Given that uncertainty, it is time for the Pirates to move on. Working with the Nexen Heroes would allow them to get some return on their investment, while giving Pittsburgh a final resolution. Maybe the Pirates can include a caveat that Kang will be offered back to the team should his ban be lifted, and he is allowed to resume his major league career.
For Kang, it would be a chance to receive regular at bats against solid competition. It may not be the same as playing in the majors, but he would be in the lineup everyday, getting back to his routine. He may even be able to negotiate the ability to opt out and test major league free agency should his ability to return to the United States be reinstated.
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Jung Ho Kang may not be able to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates. If they can get something for him, even if it is a buy out, then it is time to walk away.