According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang to a four-year, $16 million dollar contract. The Yonhap News Agency adds that the Pirates paid a slightly greater than $5M posting fee, bringing the total cost for the shortstop to around $21 million. Even if he fails to come close to what he produced in Korea, that’s a steal.
Last season for the Nexen Heroes, the 27 year-old hit .356 with 40 home runs and 117 RBIs in only 501 plate appearances.
Many scouts have been concerned that his power may not translate to the major leagues, as the pitching in Korea is comparatively weak and the Heroes’ home stadium’s fences are shallow.
The Mets seemingly had interest in the shortstop before he was posted, but then decided not to go after him. At this point, all roads lead to Wilmer Flores starting the season as the Mets’ starting shortstop.
Thoughts from Joe D.
There are some questions as to what this signing means for incumbent shortstop Jordy Mercer.
The way things stand now, Josh Harrison, who had a breakthrough season in 2014, is the presumptive third baseman.
Kang says he prefers to play third if he can’t play short, and MLBTR doesn’t rule out Kang supplanting Mercer at SS altogether.
I thought Mercer did a fine job of establishing himself as a solid starting shortstop last season, posting a slash line of .255/.305/.387 with 27 doubles, 12 homers, and 56 RBIs in 149 games.
While they could just use Mercer in a similar utility role as Harrison last season, I’m wondering if the Bucs actually consider shopping him instead. And if he does hit the market, is he someone that could interest Sandy Alderson?
