Jun-Seok

Shim

Forrester was the 20th-ranked prospect in the Pirates system and was just promoted to High-A earlier in the day. The 2023 third-round pick had hit .273 in 34 games in Single-A with a nearly 16 percent walk rate. A primary first baseman in college, the Pirates moved Forrester behind the plate where he has made real strides in his ability to control the run game. Where he ultimately ends up defensively is anybody’s guess.

Shim is the Pirates 17th-ranked prospect and was the second-highest-ranked pitcher on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 International Prospects list when the 2023 signing period opened. The 6'4" righty has a fastball that can run up near triple digits and comfortably sit in the mid-90s. He also has a solid 12-6 curve and a new, harder slider. He’s made just four starts this season, but has a 3.38 ERA and a lot of projection to dream on.

With the Marlins acquiring Kyle Stowers earlier in the day as part of the Trevor Rogers trade, it made sense for them to get rid of another corner outfielder to free up playing time for their new addition. De La Cruz has been solid in 2024, slashing .245/.289/.417 in 105 games with 18 home runs and three steals. He has just a 5.5 percent walk rate with a 26 percent strikeout rate and, unfortunately for him, he’s moving to a park that’s worse for right-handed pull power, according to Statcast’s Park Factors. This shouldn’t impact his fantasy value much but likely means Joshua Palacios will no longer be in the starting lineup for Pittsburgh.

Shim, who was likely to be the top overall pick in the Korea Baseball Organization’s draft before withdrawing his name from consideration, is one of the most intriguing pitchers in the entire international signing class, and was MLB Pipeline’s 10th-ranked prospect overall. The 18-year-old native of Korea will be worth monitoring for fantasy managers in keeper and dynasty league formats. He could move quickly though Pittsburgh’s minor league system.

The tenth-ranked international prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Shim has the potential to be the best pitcher in this year’s international class. His fastball sits in the mid-nineties but he can top out at 100 mph when needing to get out of a jam. The 6-foot-4 righty’s best pitch might be his curveball and he has shown the ability to command it with ease. He is also developing a slider and changeup and could emerge as plus pitches in professional ball. Pitching prospects are risky but fantasy managers in dynasty and keeper formats should keep their eye on Shim.