The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim to a three-year contract in early January, providing their roster with a player who has upside potential in multiple ways.
Kim’s three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers came on the final day of his 30-day negotiating window. The Dodgers have a club option that adds on another two years, and would bring the total value of Kim’s contract to $22 million.
In eight seasons in the KBO, Kim batted .304/.364/.403 and posted a career-high 11 home runs in 2024. Power is not his main prowess, but rather an ability to get on safely and steal bases.
For a Dodgers team that takes a lot to become a big league regular, Kim expressed his mindset of needing to earn a role has not changed since the Gavin Lux trade, per Yoo Jee-ho of Yonhap News Agency:
”My mindset has not changed after the trade,” Kim said. “It will be my first year and I will have to work hard to earn my opportunity.”
Kim has shown a jump in his defensive game, winning a Fielding Award in 2023 and 2024. The KBO introduced the honor to recognize elite defenders.
The Dodgers landing this deal was a bit of a surprise, however, as their shift away from Lux hinted that it may be Kim’s spot at second base to lose. By trading Lux to the Cincinnati Reds, Kim appears have a clear runway to takeover as the club’s everyday second baseman.
What to expect from Hyeseong Kim
As any player coming over from the KBO or NPB, an initial buffering period needs to be understood. Several factors go into making the jump to Major League Baseball, and Kim should be afforded time to adjust.
His main game is hitting for average and stolen bases. This, if up to speed, will provide the Dodger with an everyday option for their middle infield while Mookie Betts remains at his preferred shortstop position.
Kim hasn’t shown any need for a platoon, and the Dodgers can certainly benefit from a stellar defender who can boost run scoring. The commitment to an upward of five seasons shows the Dodgers have a level of trust in his untapped potential.
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