Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Five Intriguing Players in the FCL & DSL

Jun-Seok Shim

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed what many considered to be the best amateur international pitcher from last year’s market. That’s Korean right-hander Jun-Seok Shim. Shim is a tad older than most amateur international signees as he is in his age-19 campaign. Shim had the option to enter the KBO draft, however instead chose to head stateside in order to get an opportunity in Major League Baseball. The Bucs inked Shim to a $750,000 signing bonus.

There’s a lot to like about Shim. First off, how many teenagers do you know that can hit triple-digits? Shim has a big fastball that typically comes in around 94-97 MPH, but when he needs to, he can bring that up to 100 MPH. Not only can he throw hard, but he does so with spin, as the pitch can ride through the zone. His curveball has the characteristics of a 12-6 pitch, and he also mixes in a slider and changeup. All of his offerings have the potential to at least be average pitches.

Shim has a lot of qualities that could help him develop fast. Many like his mechanics, as he has a clean and relatively low-effort motion for a guy that can fling a baseball at 100 MPH. He also has good athleticism on the mound, which is another trait that will likely help him in the long run. Shim weighs in at 6’4”, 215 pounds, giving him a strong build.

There are questions about his command, but given both his age and make-up, it’s not a major concern as of right now. Shim will make his professional debut at the DSL, but could appear in the FCL later on this year. Shim definitely has the potential to become a top 100 prospect by the end of his first season at a full-season level.