Jin-De Jhang
| AB | 1782 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .264 |
| OBP | .315 |
| SLG | .353 |
| HR | 21 |
- Full name Jin-De Jhang
- Born 05/17/1993 in Taitung City, Taiwan
- Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: L / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Signed for $250,000 as an 18-year old free agent out of Taiwan in 2011, Jhang has had his ups and downs during five seasons in the minor leagues. His combination of being able to hit for average and being a plus defender behind the plate makes him an interesting prospect. Jhang has not hit with the lefthanded power the Pirates hoped when they signed him, but he is willing to work the count and makes solid contact, giving him at least some offensive upside. He is a good catch-and-throw receiver with a strong arm that helps him slow down the running game. While he's shown the ability to handle a pitching staff, staying in shape has proven to be a constant battle. Jhang drew rave reviews for his defensive work in the Arizona Fall League at the end of 2016, but the Pirates did not protect him on the 40-man roster. He went unselected in the Rule 5 draft. With Reese McGuire traded, Jhang has a clear path to start at Double-A Altoona, and he profiles as a big league backup. -
The Pirates made their biggest investment in the Asian amateur free agent market by signing Jhang for $250,000 in 2011. Also known as Chin-De Jhang before signing, he impressed Pirates scouts with a quick lefthanded bat and strong arm behind the plate. He has had little trouble adjusting to pitching in the lower levels of the minors, hitting for both average and power. Jhang will probably develop more power as he gains a better sense for when he can turn on pitches. He did not play behind the plate much in Taiwan but is showing signs of becoming a strong defensive catcher. His arm is not only strong but accurate, and his footwork and pitch-blocking ability are improving. Jhang has made great strides during his first two seasons in the U.S., but he could wind up back at short-season Jamestown because the Pirates have a glut of young catching prospects, including 2013 first-rounder Reese McGuire and 2012 second-rounder Wyatt Mathisen. Jhang has a chance to be an everyday catcher in the major leagues, but he also could eventually become trade bait because of the Pirates' depth at a position where the demand seems to always outstrip the supply. -
The Pirates haven't made too many forays into the Far East amateur free agent market but found an intriguing prospect in Jhang, whom they signed for $250,000 out of Taiwan in 2011. In his pro debut, he split catching duties with second-round pick Wyatt Mathisen in the Gulf Coast League, showing the ability to hit for average and command the strike zone. He recognizes pitches well and uses the whole field. Though he homered just once in 128 at-bats, he has the bat speed and strength to grow into average power. Jhang has a thick lower half and doesn't run well, but he's a good defensive catcher. He receives well and makes strong, accurate throws. He erased 29 percent of basestealers last year. He'll have to watch his weight so he doesn't lose any agility behind the plate. While Mathisen will head to low Class A in 2013, Jhang probably will start the year in extended spring training before going to Jamestown in June.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The Pirates had two of the best catchers in the league, though they come from very different backgrounds. Jhang split time between catcher and DH with Wyatt Mathisen in his pro debut after signing out of Taiwan last year for $250,000, the top 2011 bonus for a Taiwanese hitter. Jhang has a strong and stocky build, a quick bat and good strike-zone discipline. He recognizes pitches well, stays inside the ball and shows the ability to hit to all fields. He shows occasional power, mostly working gap to gap right now, but he could hit 15-20 homers per year in his prime. Jhang spent a lot of time at third base before signing. His arm is an above-average tool and helped him post pop times as low as 1.9 seconds while erasing 29 percent of GCL basestealers. He still has work to do on his blocking and receiving, but he has made strides there.
