Pittsburgh Pirates Sign Top Korean Pitching Prospect

The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly set to sign the best young pitching prospect in Korea, an 18-year-old fireballer who can hit triple digits on the radar gun. 

“The Pirates are about to sign Shim Jun-seok who is considered best pitching prospect from Korea.”
- Daniel Kim (KBO insider)

“Shim was expected to be #1 overall pick in last yr's #KBO draft until he withdrew himself”

— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) January 9, 2023

His name is Shim Jun-seok, and he was expected to be the #1 overall pick in last year's Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) draft until he withdrew his name, no doubt due to his intention of heading to MLB. His agent is Scott Boras.

Shim is widely considered as the best pitching prospect in this year’s international free agent class. He’s drawn comps to Chan Ho Park.

Future Pittsburgh Pirate and Top International FA Pitcher from South Korea, Jun-Seok Shim

As an 18 year old, can already top 100mph. pic.twitter.com/wtzAZnGNit

— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) January 6, 2023

 John Dreker of Pirates Prospects notes that the team has had a strong presence in Asia recently, allowing them to jump to the top of the list in suitors for Shim.  

He's a big boy, and at 18 is already 6'4", 227 pounds. He certainly brings the heat, regularly averaging 98 mph, and even topping 100 mpg. He will be an intriguing prospect to add to the Pirates' system.