Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates scouting leadership team were present today in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic during the first official day of the 2022-23 international signing period. The organization signed a total of 22 players from eight different countries (Venezuela, South Korea, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, Aruba and Uganda) during the first official today of the 2022-23 international signing period.

Director of International Scouting Junior Vizcaino, International Supervisors Jesus Lantigua and Saul Torres, Senior Advisor for Latin American Operations Luis Silverio, and the rest of the organization’s Venezuelan scouting staff members signed a total of seven players at a ceremony today in Valencia, Venezuela. Members of the scouting leadership team will also take part in an official signing ceremony on Tuesday in the Dominican Republic.

“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,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington. “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.”

Eighteen-year-old Jun-Seok Shim, who is ranked 10th by MLB Pipeline in this year’s international draft class, agreed to terms of a contract with the Pirates today in South Korea. Later this month, the 6’4’’ right-handed pitcher will officially sign his contract in Pittsburgh. Shim was signed by Pirates scout Jong Hoon Na.

“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,” said Vizcaino. “He has a plus fastball and is continuing to develop his secondary pitches.”

“Jun Seok has been on our radar for a few years and we are fortunate with the opportunity to bring him into the organization,” said Pirates Assistant Director of Player Personnel Max Kwan. “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.”

Seventeen-year-old catcher Jonathan Rivero, who is regarded for his tools on both sides of the ball along with athleticism and quickness behind the plate, was signed out of Los Teques, Venezuela, by Pirates scout Jose Partidas.

“Jonathan has plus instincts for the game and the ingredients to be a leader from behind the plate,” said Vizcaino. “He also has a smooth swing with an advanced approach and feel for barrel.”

Sixteen-year-old right-handed pitcher Carlos Castillo is considered to have traits of a starter while possessing a plus feel for the strike zone with all of his pitches. The 6’1’’ Castillo was signed out of Las Mercedes, Venezuela, by Pirates scout Pedro Avila.

“Carlos has the ability to command the fastball in the zone and mix his secondary pitches for strikes any time in the count,” said Vizcaino. “His delivery is easy and his arm is fluid and clean.”

Sixteen-year-old Miguel Rodriguez shows potential to hit in the top of the lineup with ability to play in center field defensively. The 5’10’’ Rodriguez was signed out of Caracas, Venezuela, by Pirates scout Jose Partidas.

“Miguel has gap-to-gap approach at the plate with a quick bat through the zone and the ability to lift the baseball to the pull side with power,” said Vizcaino. “He has above average speed that he knows how to use to affect the game on both sides while also being a smart player with leadership skills.”

Seventeen-year-old Carlos Mateo, who is from San Jose de Acoa, Dominican Republic, was signed by Pirates scout Omelbis Corportan. Mateo features a plus fastball that reaches the upper 90’s along with development of secondary pitches.

“He has a power pitcher’s body with athleticism and aggressiveness on the mound,” said Vizcaino.

Eighteen-year-old Bladimir Pichardo, whose hometown is Montecristi, Dominican Republic, was signed by Pirates scout Daurys Nin. Pichardo is regarded by Vizcaino for his power fastball and projectable secondary pitches.

“His fastball has downhill action with feel for the zone,” said Vizcaino. “He also has a natural confidence and competes well on the mound.”

Raymond Mola, a 17-year-old from Peravia, Dominican Republic, is rated as the No. 26 prospect among this year’s international draft class by MLB Pipeline, profiles as a corner outfielder with both projectable bat and power according to Vizcaino. Mola was signed by Daurys Nin.

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

Middle infielder Antonio Pimentel is regarded for his feel for hitting along with an aggressive approach at the plate.

“He has the ability to drive the baseball with constant authority to both gaps,” said Vizcaino. “He also has the tools and feel for hitting to hit at the top of the lineup.”

The Pirates also signed 16-year-old David Matoma from Luwero, Uganda. The 6’0’’ right-handed pitcher, who was signed by Tom Gillespie, is regarded as a young, athletic righthander with a quick arm and the ability to reach back with the fastball.

“The fastball is a potential power-type that already reaches the mid-90’s,” said Vizcaino. “His secondary pitches are developing and his frame needs to get stronger, but David has the natural tools to develop into a solid professional pitcher."