The local media’s interest in Shim Jun-seok (19), who has achieved his dream of entering the United States, is increasing.
MLB.com, the official homepage of Major League Baseball, announced on the 16th (Korean time), “The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a contract with Shim Jun-seok, who is ranked 10th in the international prospect rankings.”
The Pittsburgh club has yet to announce 스포츠토토 the signing of Shim Jun-seok and the down payment. In the future, it seems that the dream of entering the US will officially come true through medical tests and contract terms adjustment.
Shim Jun-seok, who threw the fastest ball in Korean high school baseball last year, chose to challenge the major leagues without applying for the 2023 KBO draft. Since his freshman year of high school, Shim Jun-seok has already attracted the attention of major league scouts by throwing fastballs over 150km.
Shim Jun-seok was recognized for his potential when he ranked 10th overall (2nd pitcher) in the MLB.com international prospect list last September. At the time, “Shim Jun-seok is a pitcher who uses fastballs with a maximum of 100 miles (161 km) and an average of 94 to 96 miles (151 to 154 km). He uses all the pitches he has, including the curve that falls from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock,” said the local media. has received attention.
With Shim Jun-seok’s move to Pittsburgh confirmed, local media’s interest in him is increasing. CBS Sports said, “Shim Jun-seok was a top-notch prospect who was likely to be nominated first in the KBO League amateur draft, but withdrew his application to challenge the major leagues.” He is a player who has a calm personality here.”
The Pittsburgh local media, Pirates Prospect, even included a video of Shim Jun-seok pitching during his time at Deoksu High School in an article. The media said, “If you want to know what kind of player Shim Jun-seok is, here is a video. According to media reports, he can throw a 100 mph fastball, but he is now known to exceed 101 mph.”
Now, attention is focused on Shim Jun-seok’s down payment. According to MLB.com, outfielder Brandon Maeya (Cuba), ranked 9th among international prospects, signed a contract with the New York Yankees for $4.4 million, and outfielder Ariel Castro (Cuba), ranked 11th, signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins for $2.5 million. Shim Jun-seok, who is in 10th place, is also expected to have a similar level of contract with the two players.
The highest contract payment for a Korean player who has ever entered the major leagues is the $2.25 million Kim Byung-hyun received when he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.