Pittsburgh Pirates Win Bid for Korean SS Kang

 

Can Kang be a superstar for Pittsburgh? Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Pirates were the surprise winners in the Kang sweepstakes.

By: Michael Hanley (@Magic20099)


The reported winning bid submitted by Pittsburgh was a reported $5 million to win the rights to Korean SS Jung Ho-Kang according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. They beat out some other teams that  showed some initial interest. They were the Giants, Mets, A's, Twins and Cardinals.

This now sets up an opportunity for the Pirates to negotiate a contract with the slugger from Korea. Their have been reports that Kang is willing to take a three or four year deal at  around $5 million per year. There is a 30 day window for both parties to get a deal done with one another.

That is a very friendly deal for Pittsburgh when you take a look at what other players on their team are getting per year and are less of a power hitter type than Kang is. It helps the Pirates keep flexibility on their side  as to keeping all options on the table as to how to further improve the roster if they feel they need to do at some point.

Kang then will be able to fully get himself in the major league sin terms of having to get use to a new lifestyle in America and all the new pitchers he will have to learn and get a feel for as he goes around the league and sees these pitchers and how they will pitch to him the first time around. 

The Pirates were the surprise winner for Kang since their infield was believed to be set for good in terms of this upcoming season. They had already added Sean Rodriguez to backup the primary shortstop in Jordy Mercer.

It also already features hitters that has been reliable and consistent from them in the past in Neil Walker & Josh Harrison. Both players have shown that they are an all around great games as they have made a big impact not only using their bats but with their gloves as well, helping shore up the team's defense.

What Kang does bring to the table that attracted the eyes and ears of Pirates officials is his sheer power he has in his bat. Just last year he hit for a .356 batting average and slugged 40 home runs in just 117 games for Nexon Heroes. Very impressive just from the fact that he was able to hit what would be a full seasons worth for some  players in the MLB and do it in 45 fewer games.

His versatility will also come in handy as the Pirates will be able to possibly put him at different positions within the infield when certain situations arise and manager Clint Hurdle needs to spell a guy for a game or two to rest up.

Kang is expected top bring that power he hit with in Korea over to the United States if and when he signs with the Pirates on a contract.Some scouts though have their doubts about him as they are unsure about his ability to be a shortstop in the major leagues and might be suited better if he was a second baseman instead.

Pirates would be wise to letting Kang get use to playing the shortstop position with the big club to see how fast can he understand how to play the position in this league and if he is comfortable enough with playing that role in the infield for the long term.