MLB-bound 'top prospect' Shim Jun-seok released by Mets after rookie league stint

Shim Jun-seok, a former top prospect who pursued his dream in Major League Baseball, has been released by the New York Mets. The pitcher, who signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in January 2023 after graduating from Seoul's Deoksu High School, failed to establish himself within the Mets organization.

The Mets announced on August 29 that they had released Shim, who had been playing in their rookie league. This season, he appeared in 16 games, pitching 20 innings with a 8.55 earned run average. His struggles were evident in his statistics, with 17 strikeouts contrasted by 30 walks and five hit batters.

Shim, known for his fastball that approached 160 km/h during his high school years, initially garnered significant attention. MLB.com once compared him to the "Korean Express" Park Chan-ho for his composure on the mound and velocity at a young age. He received a $750,000 signing bonus from the Pirates, fulfilling his ambition to play in the U.S.

However, injuries and control problems have plagued his professional career. After being traded to the Miami Marlins in July 2024, he was released the following August. He then signed a minor league contract with the Mets in December, but his persistent control issues led to his eventual release. Under current KBO rules, Shim must wait two years after his last contract termination to sign with a Korean professional team, potentially delaying his return to the mound until 2029.