Pirates' Jung Ho Kang: Could see time at shortstop and third base in 2017

Kang could see playing time at shortstop in 2017. "He is looking very much forward to this offseason where he can build strength and not just rehab," manager Clint Hurdle told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "It was a very different offseason for him last year. He believes there is more, more opportunity for him. ... There was a defensive (struggle) for him this season that we never saw at all last year. ... Will there be an opportunity for him to move back to short at any time next year? Based upon the rehab, that's going to be an interesting development."

Analysis:

Kang totaled 77 games at third base and 60 games at shortstop in 2015, but has played exclusively at third base in 2016. His fielding percentage has dropped from .971 at third base last season to .938 this year. Kang, who will turn 30 in April, has boosted his OPS from .816 to .898. Pittsburgh doesn't have any everyday third base options other than Josh Harrison, who played second base regularly in 2016.