Pirates close on deal with Korean SS Kang

Kang slugged 40 homers in 117 games last season in Korea. (Getty Images)

The Pirates and Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang are moving close to a deal, sources said.

The sides have been talking about a four-year deal for the power-hitting infielder who had a monster year for the Nexen Heroes last year, hitting 40 home runs and batting .356 in 117 games. Both sides appear intent on getting a deal done.

Kang had been thought to be seeking a four-year for about $5 million a year, and it appears the Pirates are amenable to the length of the deal as their interest is strong. They are also committed to the $5,002,015 bid fee already, presuming the deal gets done.

Kang’s agent Alan Nero recently told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “At this point, I feel confident we’ll come to an agreement. The process has been very positive.”

Kang was a fine shortstop in Korea, and it isn’t known yet whether the Pirates plan to utilize him at shortstop or perhaps have him move around and play a few positions. Jordy Mercer did a decent job at short for Pittsburgh last year. The Pirates haven’t signed second baseman Neil Walker to a multi-year deal yet, so it’s possible Kang could move over and play second base starting next year.

The Pirates were a surprise to win the posting process, as they weren’t among the teams to show strong interest prior to bidding.

Kang’s huge season last year also included exactly 117 RBI in 117 games, and a 1.198 OPS.

Hyun-Jin Ryu, the Dodgers lefthander, paved the way for Korean stars to come over a couple years ago. But Kang is hoping to become the first positional star to make the transition via the posting process.

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