PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Eyeing Kang’s potential return to PIT

Pittsburgh Pirates

The possibility of a Jung-ho Kang (3B, PIT) return now that he received a work visa adds an unexpected mid-season wrinkle to the Pirates infield situation. Having sat out all of 2017, Kang’s no sure thing to return to form, but the Korean slugger did post a .282 xBA, 21 HR, and a 120 HctX to go along with solid plate skills in 318 ABs during 2016.

Kang only played third base in 2016 after he had a late start to the season after suffering a leg injury late in his 2015 campaign trying to turn a double play as a shortstop. He split time defensively between third and shortstop in 2015. This year at the hot corner, Colin Moran (3B, PIT) is off to a fine start in his first few weeks as an MLB regular. Moran has a .796 OPS...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

With players leaving camp to play in the WBC, who could gain some playing time increases in the AL West?
Mar 4 2026 3:10am
A rejuvenated Eloy Jiménez has stood out in early Grapefruit League action and should continue to get at-bats with many Toronto regulars playing in the WBC. Plus, more WBC fallout from around the division.
Mar 3 2026 3:03am
Baseball's triennial tournament draws heavily upon MLB organizational depth, opening up opportunities for those left behind.
Mar 2 2026 8:45am
The NL West continues to offer intriguing spring training position battles and a new trend for the Colorado Rockies.
Feb 28 2026 3:04am
Abner Uribe has all the elements of a closer, but Trevor Megill is the pitcher with 51 saves since 2024. Plus more looks around the NL Central.
Feb 27 2026 3:06am

Tools