Shim Jun-seok (19), a right-handed pitcher who was considered the biggest player in high school last year, realized his dream of advancing to the United States by signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On the 16th (Korean time), 먹튀검증 MLB.com, the official major league media, reported on the contracts of international prospects. It was announced that Shim Jun-seok, who is ranked 10th in the international prospect list, has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. No specific down payment was given.
Shim Jun-seok, who heated up the baseball world last year, was rated as the biggest player in the 2023 draft. His fastball, which easily exceeded 150 km/h, was evaluated as the best in high school baseball. Shim Jun-seok, who was looking forward to advancing to the major leagues, did not participate in the KBO League rookie draft and went all-in to advance to the United States.
Shim Jun-seok, who hadn’t heard much about him for years, succeeded in advancing into the US by signing with Pittsburgh. Last year, while playing at Deoksu High School, he recorded 2 wins, 2 losses, and an average ERA of 5.14 in 12 games (20⅔ innings), but Pittsburgh paid attention to Shim Jun-seok’s potential rather than perfection.
In the scouting report, MLB.com gave Shim Jun-seok 60 points for fastball (out of 80 points), 60 points for curve, 50 points for curve, 50 points for slider, 50 points for changeup, 50 points for control, and 55 points overall. 55 points is a score given to a prospect who is expected to play an active role as a major league starting pitcher.
MLB.com, which evaluated Shim Jun-seok as “a pitcher who throws a ball close to 100 miles (160.9 km) at the maximum,” said, “Scouts who have seen Shim Jun-seok throw say that he is the best pitcher in the international prospect market. Any reason not to like it? He consistently throws 94-96 mph in the top 100 mph. And he has a good physique, clean pitching form and good athleticism.