Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates buy out Harrison, Kang, making them free agents

Pittsburgh Pirates' Josh Harrison (5) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a walk-off home run to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers and break up the no-hitter by Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

The Pittsburgh Pirates declined the 2019 club options for Josh Harrison and Jung Ho Kang on Wednesday, making both players free agents for the 2019 season.

Harrison was scheduled to make $10.5 million and Kang $5.5 million. According to MLB.com, the Pirates bought out for Harrison for $1 million and Kang for $250,000.

Veteran Jordy Mercer is also on the market after his contract expired.

Harrison made the All-Star team in 2017. He battled injuries in 2018 but finished with a .250 batting average and eight home runs.

Kang had just returned to the team after visa issues related to DUI convictions in South Korea. He played in one game for the Pirates in 2018 near the end of the season.

 

Cox Media Group

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