Pirates sign South Korean pitching prospect Jun-Seok Shim

The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially signed Jun-Seok Shim and will introduce the 18-year-old South Korean pitching prospect Thursday at PNC Park.

The 6-foot-4, 218-pound right-hander is ranked the No. 10 international prospect by MLB Pipeline and second among pitchers.

“We are excited to add Jun-Seok to our organization and start him on his road to Pittsburgh,” Pirates director of international scouting Junior Vizcaino said in a statement. “The ability for the Pirates to add a prospect like Shim speaks to our commitment to seek out and acquire the best talent worldwide.”

Rare game footage of newly acquired Top Int. Pitching Prospect from Korea, Shim Jun-Seok

He is ranked #10 on MLB Pipeline pic.twitter.com/BasHQqiKYw

— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) January 15, 2023

Shim built a reputation as one of the top international prospects at Seoul Duksoo High School, where he recorded a 1.42 ERA while striking out 32 with nine walks in 19 innings for Seoul Duksoo High School in 2020, then tossed 14 1/3 scoreless innings with 21 strikeouts and 10 walks in 2021 before being sidelined by an elbow injury.

Shim dealt with control issues last season, when he was bothered by a lower back issue and toe injury and had 40 strikeouts, 22 walks and hit 12 batters in 20 1/3 innings over 12 appearances, as his ERA jumped to 5.14.

Represented by Scott Boras, Shim opted out of the Korean Baseball Organization draft so he could play in the major leagues.

“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,” Pirates player personnel director Max Kwan said in a statement. “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.”