The St. Louis Cardinals knew that they needed to get younger this offseason if they wanted to contend once again in 2015. The team traded for Jason Heyward, and they were hoping to land another prize prospect during their pursuit of Jung-Ho Kang.
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The Nexen Heroes posted the shortstop this offseason, making him available for major league teams to bid on and sign. Teams have to submit bids for the rights to negotiate with foreign players, and the highest bidder has an exclusive window during which they can sign the player.
The Cardinals hoped to be that team for Kang, but instead, their NL Central rivals from Pittsburgh swooped in and posted the highest bid. The Pirates will have 30 days to come to terms on a deal with Kang. If the two sides agree, Pittsburgh will have to pay Nexen the posting fee in addition to paying his salary.
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If the Pirates and Kang cannot agree, he would remain a member of the Nexen Heroes. The Cardinals will certainly be hoping for that outcome, as the power-hitting shortstop could provide a big boost to a division rival that has struggled at times to score runs.
Kang hit .354 with 39 home runs last season and was named MVP of the Korean Baseball Organization.
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