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In a surprise move by the Pirates in January, the team reached out and signed Korean star Jung-ho Kang to a four-year, $11 million contract that includes a $5.5 million club option for 2019. For the Pirates, the signing of Kang gives them a power-hitting infielder to add to an already solid lineup, including former MVP Andrew McCutchen and rising star Gregory Polanco. But will Kang's big bat translate to the big leagues in Year 1?
Kang has never been shy at the plate, and his game continued to grow each of the last four seasons, with 2014 being the best of his career. The Korean star slashed .356/.459/.739 with 40 home runs, 117 RBIs and 103 runs scored through 501 plate appearances for the Nexen Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization. Although the majority of the ballparks in Korea are smaller than those in the major leagues, Kang's power is something that can't go unnoticed when preparing for this year's drafts, despite the fact he doesn't currently have a spot in the team's everyday lineup.
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Like most big swingers, Kang did strike out his fair share in Korea, whiffing once every 5.1 at-bats in nine seasons. The pitching style in Korea compared to the major leagues is also a lot different, so if he does not make the proper adjustments this spring, he could be looking at a long first season with the Pirates. On the plus side, Kang has shown some patience at the plate as he has gotten more experience under his belt. He had 68 or more free passes in each of his last three seasons, which is nothing special, but at least a good starting point as he reaches the prime of his career.
There is a lot Kang will have to prove to both the Pirates and his prospective fantasy owners before both parties are completely sold on the middle infielder. On the bright side, the Pilates have already announced he will not be starting his career in the minor leagues, serving as a utility infielder at the very least in an effort to help him adjust to the big leagues as fast as possible. Let's not forget the Pirates have spent a good amount of money on this guy (in their terms anyway), so it is hard to believe he will just be riding the pine.
For now, Kang should be drafted late in deep mixed and NL-only leagues until we see just how he is used this spring. The potential for a breakout season is there if he can make the proper adjustments to the big leagues. However, a 40-HR season is certainly not in the cards, so don't set your expectations too high. If Kang is able to post a batting average around .285 with 15 home runs, that will be a solid year for the 27-year-old MLB rookie.
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