Jung Ho Kang

After a tumultuous 2017, Kang had his eyes on a return to MLB during the 2018 season. However, he needed to obtain a work visa first, something that proved to be a bit difficult due to his off-field troubles. The Korean infielder didn't receive his visa until late April, setting him behind the rest of the team even after he participated in the Dominican Winter League. He began playing for Pirates minor-league affiliates in early June, putting him in a position for a big-league callup before a wrist injury struck. He wound up requiring surgery and didn't get back to the majors until the final three days of the season, going 2-for-6. Kang has the ability to play third base and shortstop as needed, and his bat is good enough to warrant some attention. However, it seems like he's destined to fill a short-side platoon role alongside Colin Moran at third base in 2019, limiting his fantasy appeal significantly.

Kang missed all of 2017 as legal issues in South Korea prevented him from acquiring a work visa, and his status for 2018 remains unclear as he's still without a visa and could face additional suspensions from the Pirates and/or Major League Baseball if and when he does receive his work permit. While the 30-year-old infielder hasn't played a big-league game in over a year, he's kept in shape and participated in the Dominican Winter League in order to help him get his feel back. However, he struggled by hitting hit .143 in 24 games and was released. With David Freese preferred for a bench role, Kang would likely start at third base upon his reinstatement assuming the Pirates don't look elsewhere for a replacement. However, the Pirates said they don't expect him to play in 2018. There's no doubt Kang can contribute when he does play, but at the moment there's simply too much uncertainty surrounding his status to consider drafting him in single-season formats.

Kang's power numbers rose across the board from his impressive 2015 debut, but his batting average slipped from .287 to .255, however, and his recovery from knee surgery prevented him from playing shortstop, reducing his fantasy value in some instances. Unfortunately, there are major character concerns, which could understandably leave Kang susceptible to punishment from the legal system and MLB, as he was investigated for an alleged sexual assault in July. His off-field issues continued this offseason when he was charged with his third DUI in South Korea, in incident in which he also fled from the scene of an accident. While all signs currently point to the Pirates opening the season with Kang as their starting third baseman, discipline stemming from the aforementioned incidents may force a change of plans.

A serious left knee injury derailed what was a fantastic first season in North America by the 29-year-old. Kang was playing his best ball when a slide by Chicago’s Chris Coghlan ended his year prematurely Sept. 17. When it was all said and done, he hit .287/.355/.461 with 15 homers and 58 RBI in 434 plate appearances. Only Andrew McCutchen (4.06) saw more pitches per at-bat than Kang (4.03) among Pirates regulars. He also finished third in the NL hit by pitches (17). Kang will most likely be restricted to playing third base when he returns, to reduce the wear and tear on his knee. When exactly he is able to return and how good he will be immediately after the injury are both questions without answers as spring training begins.

Kang had an outstanding season in South Korea last year, hitting .356 with 40 home runs for the Nexxen Heroes. At age 27, he could be the first position player from the KBO to come to MLB via the posting system. It's not clear if his power would translate to MLB since the KBO doesn't feature as high a level of pitching, and it's not clear if he'll stick at shortstop, but he could be in a MLB lineup next spring. The Pirates won the bidding for Kang, and he would presumably start over Jordy Mercer if he signs with Pittsburgh and assuming that the franchise views him as a viable defensive shortstop.