On May 16, 2017 Gong was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization to a minor league contract,[2] becoming the second player to sign with an MLB club from that league's Mainland China development centres.[3] He made his professional debut in 2018 with the GCL Pirates, posting a 5.40 ERA in 11 appearances. Gong split the 2019 season between the Low-A West Virginia Black Bears, the GCL Pirates, and the rookie-level Bristol Pirates, but struggled to an 0–2 record and 6.66 ERA in 14 games between the three teams.[4] On November 15, 2019, Gong was released by the Pirates organization.[5]