Pittsburgh Pirates make the right move in bringing back Jung Ho Kang

The Pittsburgh Pirates decision to bring back Jung Ho Kang was the right move for the franchise.

Last season, third base was disappointment for the Pittsburgh Pirates. With Jung Ho Kang once again unable to return stateside for the second consecutive year, Colin Moran was acquired in a trade, and given the keys to the hot corner. While he performed relatively well, his .277/.340/.407 batting line, with 11 homers and 19 doubles in 465 plate appearances. It was not a terrible season, but it was not what Kang had provided in the past.

Those issues at third base may come to an end next season. Finally allowed to return stateside, Kang worked his way back to the majors in time to appear in three games in 2018. He will be returning to Pittsburgh next year as well, as the Pirates have signed Kang to a one year contract.

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When he last played in a full season, Kang was a solid producer in the Pirates lineup. In 2016, he produced a .255/.354/.513 batting line, hitting 21 homers and 19 doubles. He had moved over to third on a full time basis that season, showing above average range and a decent glove. Kang was a solid piece in the Pirates lineup, and sorely missed over the past two years.

The idea that he can return to that level of production is the best case scenario. He did have two hits in his six plate appearances at the major league level last season, but he struggled in his brief time at AAA before being brought to the majors. And, Kang had struggled to the point where he was released in the Dominican Winter League the previous offseason.

There is no guarantee that Kang will be the answer that the Pirates need at third. Yet, for a relatively low $3 million base salary, and another $2.5 million in performance bonuses, he is a worthwhile gamble. At the very least, he will be a solid platoon partner for the lefty hitting Moran. And, while the Pirates strictly see him as a third baseman at this point, Kang has played short in the past, and could get a look at first base. If Josh Bell struggles, and Kang shows his previous form, he could become an option there as well.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are bringing Jung Ho Kang back on a one year deal. If he can perform like he did in 2016, he would prove to be a bargain.