The Pittsburgh Pirates today officially announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Jun-Seok Shim (pronounced Joon-seuk) as a non-drafted free agent.
The 18-year-old Shim was ranked as the No. 2 pitcher (10th overall) by MLB Pipeline among players in this year’s international draft class. The Pirates have now signed two of the top 26 prospects from this year’s international draft class after the team also inked 17-year-old outfielder Raymond Mola from Peravia, Dominican Republic, to a contract on January 17.
“We are excited to add Jun-Seok to our organization and start him on his road to Pittsburgh,” said Pirates Director of International Scouting, Junior Vizcaino. “The ability for the Pirates to add a prospect like Shim speaks to our commitment to seek out and acquire the best talent worldwide.”
Shim joins the Pirates organization after an impressive prep career at Duksoo High School in Seoul, South Korea. Prior to having his 2022 season end prematurely due to an injury to his big toe, Shim posted a 1.42 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 19.0 innings in 2020. One year later, Shim did not allow an earned run in 14.1 innings before being sidelined with an elbow injury.
“As our relationship grew with Jun-Seok and his family, it became very evident on the caliber of person and competitor we are bringing into the organization,” said Pirates Director, Player Personnel Max Kwan. “He is a very confident young man that loves to compete and wants to be challenged. We are impressed with his frame, how well he moves, and his innate ability to spin the ball. We believe he is just scratching the surface. We are excited to support Jun-Seok as he embraces the transition on and off the field entering affiliated baseball.”
The Pirates will host a press conference with Shim, Vizcaino and Kwan today at PNC Park at 11 a.m. General Manager Ben Cherington will also be in attendance. Members of the media can enter PNC Park at the press entrance beginning at 10:15. Pirates scout Jong Hoon Na, who signed Shim, will serve as a translator.
