Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Mark Melancon was one of several players who accepted a deal from the club to avoid arbitration.

PITTSBURGH — Even though the Pittsburgh Pirates employ one of the largest analytics departments in baseball, they are not exactly sure how Jung Ho Kang’s outstanding statistics in South Korea will translate to the major leagues.

They are willing to find out.

Pittsburgh and the 27-year-old infielder finalized an $11 million, four-year contract on a busy Friday for the Pirates. The deal includes a $5.5 million club option for 2019 with a $1 million buyout.

Meanwhile, closer Mark Melancon was among nine of the Pirates’ 12 players who filed for arbitration earlier this week and agreed to one-year contracts. The 29-year-old will make $5.4 million, more than double the $2,595,000 he earned last season when he converted 33 of 37 save opportunities and had a 1.90 ERA in 72 games.

Joining Melancon in agreeing to one-year deals were left-handed relievers Antonio Bastardo ($3.1 million) and Tony Watson ($1.75 million); right-handed reliever Jared Hughes ($1,075,000); catchers Chris Stewart ($1,225,000) and Francisco Cervelli ($987,500); third baseman Josh Harrison ($2.8 million); infielder Sean Rodriguez ($1.9 million); and outfielder Travis Snider ($2.1 million).

The Pirates were unable to reach terms with right-hander Vance Worley, first baseman Pedro Alvarez and second baseman Neil Walker and the sides exchanged arbitration figures.

If management sticks to its intended plan of refusing to negotiate now that figures have been filed, then the three players will end up in hearings in February.

Kang is trying to become the first position player to make the jump from the Korean Baseball Organization to the major leagues.