MLB
Opinion: Jung Ho Kang To The Minors
This year, the Pirates bought out Jung Ho Kang of his current deal and resigned him to a one-year, $3-million dollar deal. However, Kang hasn’t brought his bat nor lived up to expectations.
Stats Thus Far
It’s no secret, Pirates third basemen Jung Ho Kang isn’t necessarily living up to expectations. Kang has been more of a liability for the Pirates than anything this season. Currently, on offense, Kang’s line is .146/.213/.329 with a remarkable 33.7 percent strikeout rate (30 strikeouts in 89 plate appearances). Early on this is not what the Pirates had hoped for. Albeit Jung did have a valuable walk in Sunday’s victory against the Oakland Athletics. Kang last hit came on April 26th.
Towards the end of Spring Training, the Pirates did officially name Jung Ho Kang the starter at third base. Recently, however, Colin Moran has gotten the last four-out-of-five starts at third. let me make one thing clear: the Pirates will not allow Kang to struggle forever. More so, the Pirates do have other options in Colin Moran and Ke’Bryan Hayes down in AAA Indy.
Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle On Kang
Manager Clint Hurdle will stick up for any of his players when need be. In Kang’s case, there is no difference. Hurdle will be quick to point out one thing: contact. Kang has an average exit velocity of 90.8 mph average exit velocity ranks in the 75th percentile in the Majors. kang also has a hard-hit rate of 42.3 percent. On the other hand, breaking balls and off-speed pitches have been a weakness for Kang.
Previous Stints In Triple-A
Sending Jung Ho Kang down is an option. However, while Pirates fans may think it’s the best fit, the Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington doesn’t think it’ll help. In fact, Kang was terrible in his knee rehab in 2016 while at Triple-A Indianapolis – nor during his time last season working his way back. The short answer is the Pirates need Kang to get right at the Major League level.
Hayes At Triple-A Indianapolis
The Pirates are being patient with Ke’Bryan Hayes as they should be. In fact, entering Monday Hayes line at Triple-A Indianapolis looks likes this: .252/.336/.383 with 29 strikeouts in 123 plate appearances. Though Hayes is the Pirates No. 2 prospect and will be a good one, Hayes needs more time at Triple-A.
Colin Moran
So far, Moran is batting .239 with two home-runs and 12 RBIs. Moran also has seven walks and 17 strike-outs.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Pirates will likely stick with Kang at third unless he drastically declines. Additionally, Kang has had great stints in Triple-A and albeit Moran is a strong backup. Pirates are committed to Kang starting at third. In addition, Ke’Bryan Hayes also needs more time at Triple-A Indianapolis.
Photo Credit to Bryan Green via Flickr
Follow the Writer on Twitter: @T_Johnston96
