Pittsburgh Pirates: What to do with Jung Ho Kang

The Pittsburgh Pirates have bought some time with Jung Ho Kang, but they will need to figure out if he will have a future with the franchise.

It has been a long time since infielder Jung Ho Kang was a part of the Pittsburgh Pirates plans. He has not played in the majors since the end of the 2016 campaign, his career put on hold due to yet another DUI in his native South Korea. This left him unable to get a work visa until last month, when he was allowed to come stateside to resume his playing career.

Now, Kang is off the restricted list, and has been placed back on the 40 man roster. For now, the 31 year old is heading to AAA, where he has been optioned to Indianapolis. However, that move just buys the Pirates time to determine what they are going to do with their erstwhile infielder.

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As the Pirates have slumped lately, going 5-8 in June, there is no question that they could use Kang’s bat in the lineup. He had produced a solid .273/.355/.483 batting line in his two seasons in the majors, hitting 43 doubles and 36 homers. As the Pirates offense has struggled this month, posting a .667 OPS and hitting just seven homers, Kang could be just what they need to jumpstart the lineup.

The problem is where to play Kang. David Freese, who was seemingly on his way out of town recently, has been one of Pittsburgh’s better hitters of late, producing a .733 OPS this month. Colin Moran, the Pirates primary third baseman, has a .765 OPS. Even the idea of putting Kang at short would not make sense right now, as Jordy Mercer is the Pirates best hitter so far this month.

Of course, Kang needs to prove he can still contribute. In his only appearance outside of Korea since 2016, he looked overmatched in the Dominican Winter League. While he did pummel pitching during his time in Bradenton, Kang was just 1-15 with Indianapolis. He will need to prove that he can hit once again before becoming a potential answer for the Pirates.

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Eventually, the Pittsburgh Pirates will have a decision to make with Jung Ho Kang. For now, they can delay that decision until he proves he can hit once more.