Pirates sign top-10 South Korean RHP prospect, 21 other internationals

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Sunday an international free agent class that features a top-10 prospect in South Korean right-handed pitcher Jun-Seok Shim and top-30 prospect in Dominican outfielder Raymond Mola.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Shim, 18, throws a fastball that sits at 94-96 mph and tops out at 100 and a 12-to-6 curveball. Shim, who was signed by scout Jong Hoon Na, is ranked the No. 2 pitcher and No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline.

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

“He has the traits to be developed as a potential middle- to top-of-the-rotation type pitcher, but has the power, aggressiveness and makeup to be a shut-down, end-of-game type pitcher,” Pirates international scouting director Junior Vizcaino said in a statement. “He has a plus fastball and is continuing to develop his secondary pitches.”

Added Pirates assistant director of player personnel Max Kwan: “Jun Seok has been on our radar for a few years and we are fortunate with the opportunity to bring him into the organization. He has quality power traits coupled with a strong ability to spin the ball. We are really excited to collaborate with Jun Seok on his development to the big leagues.”

#PlayerofthedayJDB

He is Raymond Mola OF 2022 class from El Niche Baseball Academy. One of the best hitter and outfielders for the 2022 class at bat. @JesseSanchezMLB @MrScoutDR @MLB pic.twitter.com/rXroo5uW5H

— JDB BASEBALL RD (@juliobasora25) October 19, 2020

Mola, 17, is a 6-foot-2, 170-pounder from Peravia, D.R., who projects as a run-producing corner outfielder. Mola, signed by scout Daurys Nin, is ranked No. 26 in the international draft class by MLB Pipeline.

“He is an aggressive hitter who can drive the baseball to both gaps and turn on the baseball with power,” Vizcaino said. “He has an aggressive approach to his defensive play and on the bases.”

Our newest Young Bucs!

We have signed 22 players for the current 2022-23 international signing period. pic.twitter.com/rfYsAo8PdA

— Young Bucs (@YoungBucsPIT) January 15, 2023

The Pirates, who had an international bonus pool of $5,825,500, signed a total of 22 players from eight countries: Aruba, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, South Korea, Uganda and Venezuela.

“Our international scouting group will go anywhere in the world to find the right players and our development staff works just as hard to make sure each and every one of those players can thrive with the Pirates,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said in a statement. “We are excited to welcome this international class to the Pirates organization and can’t wait to support their growth as players and as people.”