RADIO
Jung Ho Kang only accumulated 421 ABs in 2016, but he produced enough to warrant a third place finish in the NL ROY voting. Turning 29 in April, Kang will look to build on the .287/.355/.461 slash line and 15 HRs he posted last year. No easy task, Kang has momentum on his side. Though he struggled in the first half of 2015, Kang excelled after the all-star break to a tune of .310/.364/.548 to go with 11 HRs in 197 ABs. He provided the third most offensive value among shortstops during the second half, trailing only Correa and Lindor. Qualifying at SS and 3B, Kang will likely hit second or fifth in the 2016 Pirates lineup. With McCutchen and Marte hitting three-four, Kang should be afforded plenty of opportunities.
Kang accumulated 17 HBPs last year in only 421 ABs, perhaps bloating his OBP% to a number not indicative of his true skills. Good for fourth in the majors last season, if Kang cannot duplicate his penchant for getting beaned, his OBP% may decline this year. Despite this subplot, Kang should match or exceed last year’s rookie success. 20 HRs is within range for, and owners who wait on a shortstop would be wise to target Kang later in the draft.
Source:
