Jung-ho Kang Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung-ho Kang missed all of 2017 after visa issued related to his third DUI arrest prevented him from returning to the United States. When Jung Ho Kang first came stateside, he appeared to be a key part of the Pittsburgh Pirates future. AVG.000. Through 185 plate appearances in 2019, Kang carries a meager .169/.222/.395 batting line with ten home runs but also a whopping sixty strikeouts and only eleven walks. RBI. In 126 games played in 2015, Kang hit .287 with 15 HRs and 58 RBIs. [41] On November 8, 2018, the Pirates re-signed Kang to a one-year/$3M deal with the opportunity to compete for the starting 3B job with Colin Moran, who had been acquired to fill Kang's position during his absence. Said he'll humbly accept whatever punishment deemed fit. The applicable KBO authorities are slated to consider the matter shortly. That third DUI arrest, though, prevented Kang from securing his work visa and eventually caused him to miss the entire 2017 season as well as much of the 2018 campaign. [6] His defensive play earned him his first KBO League Golden Glove Award. 0. This was his first AB in the major leagues since October 2, 2016, a span of four days short of two years. At this point, Kang may be waving the white flag on his major league career. It’ll be interesting to see how the Bucs handle their roster now that they’re approaching full health. Pirates' Jung Ho Kang hammers two home runs", "WATCH: Korean announcers go nuts over Jung Ho Kang's return", "Jung Ho Kang homers twice in return from knee injury, Bucs beat Cards", "Chicago police investigate Pirates infielder in sexual assault claim", "Report: Jung Ho Kang denied visa to enter United States", "Jung Ho Kang's suspended sentence upheld by South Korean court", "Jung-ho Kang granted work visa, set to rejoin Pirates", "Jung Ho Kang, working his way back toward the majors, says...", "Kang comes off restricted list, stays at Triple-A", https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/10/pirates-to-decline-option-over-josh-harrison.html, "Pirates spring training: Jung Ho Kang and Ke'Bryan Hayes hit two home runs in 10-6 win against Marlins", "Erik Gonzalez, Jung Ho Kang win Pirates spots", "KBO to meet Monday to determine fate of troubled ex-MLB player eyeing return", "Ex-major leaguer Kang Jung-ho formally applies for return to KBO", "KBO bans ex-major leaguer Kang Jung-ho for 1 year before potential return", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jung-ho_Kang&oldid=1001108259, Asian Games gold medalists for South Korea, Major League Baseball players from South Korea, South Korean expatriate baseball players in the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 18 January 2021, at 08:08. But with his effectiveness having waned to a significant extent in 2019, it appears Kang’s finally about to run out of rope with the Pirates. But it would be quite interesting to watch a potential KBO return effort. [47], However, due to three drunk driving incidents in his past, Kang was required to face a penalty that would include a suspension for up to 3 years per the KBO League rule book. Kang took infield practice with the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate in San Antonio on Thursday, as journalist Joe Alexander noted. [10], In 2014, Kang had his best season statistically, hitting .356 with 40 home runs and 117 RBI. "School Spirit May Be Metaphysical for South Korean Baseball Players,", "Jung Ho Kang begins transition to Pirates, MLB", "Gwangju Jeil High School Takes Home the Golden Lion after 21 Years", "2014 International FA Profile: SS, Jung-Ho Kang (KBO)", "2009 Korean Baseball Organization Batting Leaders", "2014 Korean Baseball Organization Batting Leaders", "Pirates win rights to negotiate with South Korean shortstop", "Darvish, Rangers agree to 6-year, $60M deal", "Bucs, Kang make it official with 4-year deal", "Jung-ho Kang goes deep in first spring game", "Kang collects first big league hit after being robbed twice", "Kang's first extra-base hit, RBIs could boost confidence", "Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals Box Score, May 3, 2015 | Baseball-Reference.com", "Watch Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang hit his first MLB home run", "Pittsburgh Pirates pull off first 4–5–4 triple play in MLB history against Cardinals", "Jung Ho Kang of Pittsburgh Pirates placed on 60-day DL", "Injured Pirates rookie Jung Ho Kang receives standing ovation ahead of wild card game", "What a return! Jung Ho Kang projected to 150 Games vs RHP and LHP with 12 team mixed fantasy value. Trouble is, Kang has been arrested three times for driving under the influence — a shameful mark that scuttled his MLB career and subjects him to the KBO’s harsh mandatory minimum suspension of three years. Jung-ho Kang. The play occurred when the Cardinals' Yadier Molina lined out to second baseman Neil Walker. R. 0. Baserunner Chris Coghlan attempted to break up the double play aggressively by sliding into Kang. Kang was out for three weeks with a left side strain. In 2008, he improved to .271/.334/.392 while becoming a starter; the team was now called the Woori Heroes. On this day in history: 1242 – Alexander … His strikeout rate exploded from 21 percent in 2015-16 to more than 32 percent last season as his defensive grades plummeted. [42] Kang was a free agent for one week. With the Pirates out of playoff contention and infielder Jung Ho Kang in the throes of an awful season, his time with the organization may be nearing an end. Kang … Although there was plenty of South Korean-based media coverage surrounding Kang, as he was to be the first KBO position player (non-pitcher) to be developed entirely within the Korean system to jump to the Major Leagues. [50] The disciplinary committee decided not to apply the DUI rule retroactively to his 2016 arrest, opting instead to give him the maximum punishment for his other 2 arrests which occurred when he was an active KBO player. Erik Gonzalez and Pablo Reyes are coming onto the active roster, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic tweets. To this point, the team has stuck with Kang through worse ordeals than lousy on-field output. On April 26, 2018, it was revealed that Kang successfully renewed his visa, meaning that he was eligible for activities in the United States once again. [6], In 2012, Kang improved, hitting .314 with 25 home runs (2nd in the league), 82 RBI, 77 runs scored, and a career-high 21 stolen bases. [5][6], In 2009, Kang had an impressive offensive season. Cole Suspended 5 Games. 699 likes. 3B; B/T: R/R; 6' 0" /210 Jung Ho Kang… [19], On May 3[20] on the road against the Central leading Cardinals, in St. Louis, down 1-0, Kang came to bat to lead off the top of the 9th inning. [15][16] In the first spring training game of 2015, in his second at-bat, Kang connected on a 0-1 fastball, driving an opposite field solo home run in the third inning, helping the Pirates to a 5-0 lead, and eventual 8-7 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. However, legal … 43 days ago. 258 days ago. Kang is swinging and missing far more often than he used to. Jung-ho Kang (Korean: 강정호; Korean pronunciation: [kaŋ.dʑʌŋ.ɦo]; born April 5, 1987) is a South Korean third baseman who is a free agent. Jose Osuna could be the odd man out, though he has hit well in brief action. Walker threw to Kang at third base to double-off Jhonny Peralta for the second out. Instead, while Kang may yet be granted one more chapter in his baseball career (depending on the Heroes’ action and interest from others in the KBO), he’ll go down as a “what might’ve been” case. Kang is struggling in his first full season since 2016 — a layoff that occurred because of his troubling history of drinking and driving. However, off-field issues were an unfortunate part of the package. Unlock Our Projections. The Pirates then released him in the first week of August. Kang has by all accounts carried himself in a more responsible manner off the field since returning to the Pittsburgh organization. He returned to the Pirates on a one-year pact last season but turned in a ghastly .169/.222/.395. Kang was not on the Pirates' 40-man roster for the year, as he could not obtain a work visa to travel to the United States. May 25: The Korea Baseball Organization has reached a ruling regarding infielder Jung Ho Kang, who starred for the KBO’s Nexen (now Kiwoom) Heroes and spent parts of four years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After spending seven seasons with the Heroes and peaking with an outrageous .356/.459/.739 batting line as a 27-year-old back in 2014, Kang was posted for MLB teams and landed with the Pirates on a four-year, $11MM contract. [6], In 2008, Hyundai sold the Unicorns, who subsequently became defunct and were replaced with a new team, the Woori Heroes (renamed the Nexen Heroes in 2009). [31], On December 1, 2016, Kang was involved in a high-speed DUI-induced hit-and-run in South Korea, which culminated in him fleeing his vehicle on foot. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by colour family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} Coghlan collided with Kang's left knee, fracturing his leg and tearing his MCL. [6] He would also win another Gold Glove Award, the second of his career. Last week, former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang indicated that he was looking to resume his career in the Korean Baseball Organization. Kang has been working out with Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate with the goal of earning a MiLB deal, though the two sides still have some terms to iron out. Kang hit .169 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs in 65 games this season. While there Kang focused on strength training. Kang played in the Dominican Professional Baseball League for the 2017–2018 winter season, with the Águilas Cibaeñas. Kang made the decision to train with his former Korean club, the defending (2016) KBO Champion Nexen Heroes, who had arrived in Surprise, Arizona for their Spring Training (hosted at the spring training facility of the Texas Rangers). The once-valuable Kang, 32, is looking to rebuild his stock after batting a hideous .169/.222/.395 in 185 plate appearances with Pittsburgh this season. But he has not returned to his days of high-quality offensive production at the plate. In order to open a 40-man roster spot, the Bucs shifted righty Jameson Taillon to the 60-day injured list. April 3, 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates placed 3B Jung Ho Kang on … Kang was outstanding on the field before he sat out nearly two full years. May 26: Kang has pledged to donate his salary to charity should he sign with a KBO club, Yoo reports today. In the summer of 2016, he was being investigated for sexual assault.According to his accuser, Kang served her a drink, she blacked out and he sexually assaulted her while she “drifted in and out of consciousness”. [22], On September 8, 2015, Kang connected on an impressive 472-ft solo shot, his 14th of the season, on the road against the Cincinnati Reds.[23]. In 2009, the 22-year-old really broke out, … He had only himself to blame for the absence and lost earnings, as it resulted from his history of multiple instances of being caught driving under the influence of alcohol. October 13, 2017: 3B Jung Ho Kang assigned to Aguilas Cibaenas. [30], In early July 2016, a sexual assault claim was made against Kang by a 23-year-old Chicago woman. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about third baseman Jung Ho Kang on ESPN. Now 33 years old, Kang emigrated from Korea prior to the 2015 season, signing a four-year guarantee worth $11MM. Former Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang had been hoping to make a professional comeback in his native Korea, but he has ended that attempt, Jeehoo Yoo of Yonhap News reports. Jersey # Bats R. Throws R. DOB 4/5/1987. Despite the good offensive numbers he has posted in the majors, it doesn’t seem likely that Kang will play in the league in the immediate future. He previously played in the KBO League for the Hyundai Unicorns and Nexen Heroes. By Steve Adams | May 26, 2020 at 10:25am CDT. Kang has picked up three DUI arrests, including one before the 2017 season that stopped him from securing a work visa to return from South Korea. 0. This page is dedicated to those who are big fans of him! Jung Ho Kang: Pursuing return to South Korea by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire Kang is pursuing a return to the Korea Baseball Organization after a … Re-signing Kang was also part of the offseason business for the Pirates, who brought him back on a $3MM guarantee after turning down a $5.5MM club option. However, his lawyers argued that because the latest policy was implemented in 2018 and Kang’s most recent arrest came in 2016 (when he was playing with the Pirates and thus not even in the KBO), he should not face a maximum penalty. Kang was cut … As Yoo notes, the KBO subjects players with three or more DUI arrests to at least a three-year suspension. He has notched just one hit in 27 at-bats since hitting his only homer of the season on April 3. Kang and the Brewers have not reached an agreement on a minor league contract yet, though, as general manager David Stearns said the two sides still have issues to work out, per Haudricourt. It looked like a wise investment for a little while, as Kang slashed a terrific .273/.355/.483 (129 wRC+) with 36 home runs and 5.8 fWAR in 837 plate appearances during his first two years in the majors. [26], On May 6, 2016, Kang played in his first MLB game since his September 17, 2015 injury. By Connor Byrne | April 29, 2020 at 1:40am CDT. Infielder Jung-ho Kang is already working out in Arizona ahead of the report date for the Pittsburgh Pirates' Spring Training camp next month. When or if that takes place is a bit complicated given that his former team still holds his rights. He was inserted into the game in the top of the seventh inning, as a pinch hitter. Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang has been arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a DUI accident in his native South Korea, according to a report from the Yonhap News Agency. At the same time, after Kang struck out in 21.2 percent of PA during his first few years as a Pirate, he’s up to an unappealing 32.4 in 2019. He’ll be replaced on the active roster by Jake Elmore, whose contract was selected. Per Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap (Twitter thread), Kang’s reps have asked the league not to count the third arrest since it took place when he was under contract with the Pirates rather than a KBO outfit. Jung Ho Kang continues to be unable to perform baseball activities because of a sprained left wrist. Former Pittsburgh Pirates player Kang Jung-ho apologized for his past wrongdoings at a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. Erik Halterman details the top prospective free agents from the KBO and NPB, such as shortstop Ha-seong Kim, as well as the top prospects to monitor from across the Pacific. Yoo indicates that Kang’s former team, the Kiwoom (formerly Nexen) Heroes, retains his rights even after receiving a posting fee from the Pirates. That’s a surprising turn for a player who carried a 21.4% strikeout rate and 9.7% walk rate in his most recent full season in the majors. Jung-ho Kang is a South Korean third baseman who is a free agent. Kang was successful enough in his homeland to earn a guaranteed contract from Pittsburgh, which signed him to a four-year, $11MM pact prior to the 2015 season. Corresponding roster moves aren’t yet known. Kang was placed on the 60-day disabled list and would miss the remainder of the season,[24] including the post season NL wild card game, which the Pittsburgh Pirates played host to the Chicago Cubs. Browse 3,173 jung ho kang stock photos and images available or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. [21], On May 9, 2015, during a 7–5 win over the Cardinals, the Pirates became the first MLB team to turn a 4–5–4 triple play. This helps identify a player's platoon value for fantasy baseball based on pitcher handedness. [5][6] Kang tied Hong Sung-heon of the Lotte Giants for the league lead in doubles (33).[9]. 2020 Projections. The suspension for Kang won’t come into effect until he signs with a club. Hurdle will also face some tough playing time decisions. RBI. The resurgent Cabrera and newcomer Reynolds are both hitting quite well. Although the Heroes have his rights, he’s not actually a member of the team. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. [25] This was his first public appearance since the incident. 3B Jung Ho Kang assigned to Pirates Extended Spring Training. Meanwhile, Kevin Newman’s locking down shortstop – Kang’s secondary position – leaving no obvious spot for the veteran. On May 25, 2020, Kang received a one-year suspension from the league and was also ordered to undergo 300 hours of community service. Kang would also earn an additional $625K by reaching 300, 400 and 500 plate trips. No charges were brought against Kang, as the accuser would not cooperate with the police investigation. The likelihood is that Kang will never play in the majors again, and it no longer appears he’ll suit up in the KBO again. "I have … While attending Gwangju Jeil High School,[1] Kang's main position was catcher. [6] In 2007, he appeared in 20 games and hit .133. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel corroborated Alexander’s report Friday, tweeting that Kang has been working out with the Brewers’ top farm club. He was also cleared by the Pirates organization to return to the team. September … Jung-ho Kang is best known as a Baseball Player. Kang’s most recent DUI scandal brought about a swift downfall for a player who looked every bit the part of a productive Major Leaguer. Kang ended the 2018 MLB season batting .333, having gone 2 for 6 with 2 singles and a strikeout in 3 games. View More. On October 7, during the pre-game introductions of the NL Wild Card game, a wheelchair-bound Kang was wheeled out onto the field, where he received a standing ovation. The deal worked out OK for Pittsburgh on the field, as Kang batted a solidly above-average .254/.331/.466 with 46 home runs and accounted for 4.9 fWAR across 1,028 plate appearances over the course of four seasons. [46] Kang was released on August 4, 2019. [6] Kang placed third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, collecting a 19% share. He then missed all of 2017 and almost the entirety of last season because he had trouble acquiring a visa in the wake of his third DUI arrest in his homeland. Erik Gonzalez Jung Ho Kang Pablo Reyes Pittsburgh Pirates Transactions, By Connor Byrne | August 1, 2019 at 8:55pm CDT. 258 days ago. [10], On December 22, 2014, the Pittsburgh Pirates won the bidding for the exclusive (30-day) opportunity to sign him to a Major League Baseball contract. WASHINGTON -- The Pirates are giving Jung Ho Kang a few days off to work his way out of an early season slump at the plate.. Kang went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Friday's win over the Nationals, and he has not recorded a hit in his past 18 at-bats. PITTSBURGH — Jung Ho Kang's time with the Pittsburgh Pirates -- and quite possibly in the major leagues -- is over. [38], In speaking with reporters on June 6, 2018, Kang said through a translator that he was sober and had voluntarily enrolled in the Joint Drug Treatment Program. [4], Kang was drafted by the Hyundai Unicorns in the second round of the 2006 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) First-Year Player Draft.