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Atlanta Braves trade talk: Alex Anthopoulos sticks to the plan

By Fred Owens

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 17: Jose Reyes #7 (L) of the Toronto Blue Jays answers questions as he is introduced at a press conference as general manager Alex Anthopoulos looks on at Rogers Centre on January 17, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 17: Jose Reyes #7 (L) of the Toronto Blue Jays answers questions as he is introduced at a press conference as general manager Alex Anthopoulos looks on at Rogers Centre on January 17, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Jung Ho Kang

Jung Ho Kang signed with the Pirates in 2015 four-year, $10.5M contract with a $5.5M option for 2019 and a $250K buyout. He has$1,740,740 left o this year’s deal along with the $250K buyout.

Kang started and stayed hot. In his rookie season, Kang hit .287/.255/.461/.816 with 15 homers in 128 games. Metrics made that a .356 wOBA, 128 wRC+, 3.7 fWAR season, while voters placed him third in NL Rookie of the Year voting.  He might have done more had Chris Coghlan not shattered his leg with a clearly illegal slide. Surgery and rehab meant Kang missed the rest of that season.

He returned to the Bucs on May 6, 2016, and exclusively played third that season.  His bat showed no signs of the layoff, he started and remained strong. His average dipped 20 points but his on-base rose 100 and his lugging 80.

Kang finished 2016 hitting .255/.354/.513/.867, a .369 wOBA and 132 wRC+.  His 81 hits included 21 homers and 19 doubles giving him a .258 ISO.

UZR and DRS weren’t impressed by his defense but Baseball Prospectus gave him an 8.5 DRA, making him fourth behind Nolan Arenado, Kyle Seager, and Travis Shaw

Following the 2016 season, Kang received a DUI conviction in Korea that kept him from returning to the Pirates until a few weeks ago. He told AP’s Corey Long he’s been sober since his arrest wants to make amends.

"“It was obviously difficult to prepare (with) deadline or date. I tried to do my best . . .to mentality and physically prepare (to be) the same player I was in Pittsburgh two years ago.”"

Kang isn’t allowed to drive and participates in MLB’s substance abuse program. Clint Hurdle says Kang works hard every day.

"“”He’s continuing to work into game shape. . .. He’s playing complete . . .He seems to be in a pretty good place right now.”"

The Pirates activated Kang on Sunday and optioned him to AAA.

Kang began and so far remains the best Korean import to MLB, so why would the Pirates trade him?

First and probably most importantly, Neal Huntingdon felt betrayed because Kang failed to disclose his DUI history before when he signed. While he denies any ongoing hard feelings, Huntingdon said in an interview this would be Kang’s last chance in Pittsburgh.

Secondly, they really have no place for him. Moran is set at third, Josh Harrison at second and they have Freese. Then, of course, there’s the money.

The Pirates are always broke and while Freese may cost more to retain, he’s been a clubhouse leader for Hurdle since signing.

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