Miami: Once a can't-miss prospect, South Korean pitcher Shim Jun-seok has been cut by his U.S. minor league team. The Florida Complex League Marlins, the Rookie-level affiliate of the Miami Marlins, announced that they have released the 21-year-old right-hander. Shim was once seen as a likely first overall pick in the 2022 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) draft, but he bypassed the draft aiming for a Major League Baseball opportunity.
According to Yonhap News Agency, in January 2023, Shim signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, securing a US$750,000 signing bonus. However, injuries have hampered his progress. During his time at Duksoo High School in Seoul, Shim faced elbow, back, and toe injuries, and his stint in the United States was marred by back and shoulder issues.
Shim managed only eight innings in Rookie ball in 2023. In July of the previous year, the Pirates traded him to the Marlins in exchange for outfielder Bryan De La Cruz. This year, Shim recorded a 0-3 record with a 10.80 ERA in 13 1/3 innings, striking out 16 but issuing 23 walks.
In the 2022 KBO draft, the Hanwha Eagles, holding the first pick, chose another promising right-handed pitcher, Kim Seo-hyeon, after Shim withdrew. Kim has become one of the league's top closers, ranking fourth with 24 saves and maintaining a 1.93 ERA for the Eagles. The Eagles are currently in second place, aiming for their first postseason appearance since 2018.