Last month the Pittsburgh Pirates won the bid for negotiating rights for Korean shortstop Jung-Ho Kang. Last week Jon Heyman of CBS reported that the sides were close to a four-year deal. The Pirates have eight days to complete the deal, but it is expected to be finalized later this week with Kang expected to arrive in Pittsburgh on Wednesday or Thursday.
Kang's agent Alan Nero told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "At this point, I feel confident we'll come to an agreement. The process has been very positive."
When the Pirates paid over $5 million for the posting fee it was clear that they wanted to sign Kang. The deal could be close to $5 million per year.
Other Pirates News:
- The Pirates began voluntary workouts in Bradenton, FL today. Among the players in attendance are Nick Kingham, Jameson Taillon, Vance Worley, Jose Tabata, Stetson Allie, Jared Hughes, and John Holdzkom.
- Taillon, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to begin throwing off the mound next week. He told beat reporter Rob Biertempfel that he feels like "an actual baseball player again."
- Allie, Tyler Glasnow and Adrian Sampson have all received invitations to Spring Training.
- Former Pirates player Kevin Young is now a special assistant. His responsibility this spring is to work with Pedro Alvarez at first base.
- Gaby Sanchez was dropped by Pittsburgh and has decided to play in Japan.
- Baseball America released its list of top 10 prospects this morning. Glasnow takes the top spot as expected. Taillon is second and Austin Meadows rounds out the top three.
- Finally, the Pirates are expected to go file and trial with the remaining 12 arbitration-eligible players. That means they will not negotiate after the Friday deadline and are willing to go in front of an arbitration panel. This puts more pressure on the players and their agents.