8. Jung Ho Kang – SS – Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates jumped into the international free agent market by signing Korean Baseball Organization star Jung Ho Kang to a four-year deal. If, for nothing else, Kang’s debut carries its own anticipation merely for the expansion of Major League talent to include more foreign leagues.
Kang is an offensive powerhouse at a premier defensive position. Last season, he belted 40 home runs with a robust .356 average. He may eventually move from shortstop, and he is no guarantee to be an everyday starter out of the gate, but the opportunity is there for Kang to make his mark on another professional league.
