The Pittsburgh Pirates were the mystery team to win the bidding for Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang. The only problem is the Pirates have a full infield heading into 2015 with Pedro Alvarez at first base, Neil Walker at second, Jordy Mercer at shortstop and Josh Harrison at third.
Pittsburgh also added depth when they traded for utility man Sean Rodriguez of the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this offseason. They now have 30 days to negotiate a contract with Kang, who had a career year in the Korean Baseball Organization after slashing .356/.459/.739 with 40 home runs and 117 RBIs in 117 games with the Nexen Heroes. Although Kang is considered a shortstop, many MLB scouts believe he could become a second or third baseman when he joins the league.
Despite the Pirates' complete infield, Kang's agent, Alan Nero, told Jon Morosi of FOX Sports that "he knows Pittsburgh had a good team last year and hopes he can help them to the playoffs and World Series" and is also "looking forward to visiting the city and meeting the fans." Morosi noted "it doesn't appear Kang's enthusiasm for signing is tempered by the fact the Pirates have an incumbent shortstop."
ESPN Insider Doug Mittler writes the Pirates could possibly deal Mercer to make room for Kang. This seems like the most probable option because the team has spoken with second baseman Neil Walker about an extension and Josh Harrison was finally moved to third base on a full-time basis after playing 50 games in the outfield last season. Mercer is obvious weak link in terms of the offensive capabilities of the team's infielders.
"If they complete the deal for Kang, it would be interesting to see if the Bucs might be willing to shop Mercer, whose OBP dipped from .336 to .305 last season," writes Mittler. "Mercer did make a notable improvement defensively last season and is not eligible for arbitration for another year, so it remains unclear if the Pirates would deal him."
Kang is a clear offensive upgrade at the shortstop position, if he's capable of playing there. Over the past three seasons, the 27-year-old has batted .320 with 87 home runs and 295 RBIs. It's obvious the Pirates are looking to improve their roster in the ultra-competitive NL Central that also features the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs.
If they fail to arrive at an agreement within the 30-day window, Kang will return to the Heroes and the $5 million bid will go back to the Pirates.