[News Figures] 'The Second Park Chan-ho' Shim Jun-seok Joins Pittsburgh

Park Chan-ho Made Pro Debut with Pittsburgh Where He Played
Fastball and Curve Are Main Weapons... Control Issues Remain a Challenge
MLB.com "Physical Abilities Are Improving"

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] 'Hard-throwing pitcher' Shim Jun-seok (19, expected to graduate from Deoksu High School) is joining the MLB (Major League Baseball) Pittsburgh Pirates. Shim Jun-seok is a top-tier high school baseball pitcher who throws fastballs averaging 94-96 mph (approximately 151-154 km/h). In addition, he has the ability to throw a curveball with a large drop.

On the 16th (Korean time), the Pittsburgh team announced, "We have signed several international amateur players whom we have observed for a long time for the future of the team," confirming the signing of Shim Jun-seok. Specific signing conditions, including the signing bonus, are expected to be disclosed after the official signing at the end of this month.

Reyes Viscaino, the international scout director of the Pirates, said in an interview with MLB.com, "Shim Jun-seok's fastball creates an illusion of rising due to its backspin and speed." MLB.com introduced Shim Jun-seok, stating, "He throws fastballs averaging 94-96 mph, with a top speed of 100 mph (approximately 161 km/h). Moreover, he has a curveball that drops from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock." They added, "Based on his impressive physical condition (height 194 cm, weight 97.5 kg), his pitching form and physical abilities are improving."

Shim Jun-seok agreed to join Pittsburgh. Photo by Yonhap News

Since his first year of high school, Shim Jun-seok has attracted attention not only domestically but also from several Major League Baseball teams. Last year, he threw a fastball at 157 km/h during the Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship.

MLB.com stated, "His slider and changeup could also become Shim Jun-seok's 'plus pitches' in the future," adding, "Watching his growth process, from throwing fastballs in his early teens to pitching calmly, reminds one of the young Park Chan-ho." In this regard, Pittsburgh is also the team where Park Chan-ho, who recorded 124 wins in his Major League career, ended his MLB career. Park Chan-ho's main weapons were also a fastball and curveball.

Although Shim Jun-seok has been dubbed the 'second Park Chan-ho,' he has an immediate challenge to overcome: frequent control issues. Because of this, he has not shown impressive performances on the high school stage. Consequently, there is a prospect that if he trains diligently in MLB, he could eventually throw fastballs exceeding approximately 161 km/h. Currently, with Korean big leaguers Choi Ji-man and Bae Ji-hwan on the Pittsburgh roster, the number of Korean players playing for Pittsburgh in the 2023 season has increased to three.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.