Even after a successful rookie season last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers needed to see further improvement from Hyeseong Kim at the plate in 2026 before giving him another opportunity at the Major League level.
The 27-year-old started the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City and played himself into a call-up with the Dodgers following Mookie Betts’ right oblique strain. Kim has proved to be a quality player in 2026, batting .308/.370/.400 with four extra base-hits and eight RBI in 65 plate appearances.
While he has produced good results at the plate, it has been Kim’s work with the glove that has captured the attention of infield and first base coach Chris Woodward.
Woodward told Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic just how high a ceiling Kim has as a defender by comparing him to Andrelton Simmons.
“The talent he has, the work ethic, all the things combined, I’ve never seen a package quite like that,” Woodward said. “I think Simmons at his peak was probably similar. The arm strength, the quickness, he might have been the best I’ve ever seen.
“But Kim’s work ethic is off the charts. I have to tell him to stop. He wants to go, go, go. The speed, the arm strength, there are certain things he does that I can’t teach, mechanically. His hips are so mobile. He can be completely across his body and still throw a ball 100 mph across the field. And you’re like, ‘That doesn’t make any sense.’”
Kim’s pure athleticism was the most prominent tool on his scouting report at the time the Dodgers signed him in 2025. He has made great strides to harness his athletic gifts to become an above average defender this season.
The second-year player is in the 77th percentile and 79th percentile for fielding run value and outs above average, respectively. Kim also has two defensive runs saved filling in for Betts at shortstop.
Dodgers have preferred role for Hyeseong Kim
Kim received a rare opportunity to start against a left-hander when the Dodgers faced the Chicago Cubs on April 26, but manager Dave Roberts clarified that was not indicative of his role expanding.
Kim has been limited to a platoon role against right-handed pitching this season. Any chance to earn an everyday role will seemingly have to come after this season.
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