The 2023 World Baseball Classic saw increased participation from the best MLB has to offer, not only among the ranks of Team USA but also from American-born players with diverse backgrounds.
Tommy Edman was one such player as he suited up for South Korea in the WBC.
Although Edman was born in Pontiac, Michigan, his mother, originally from South Korea, immigrated to the United States as a child. And thus, Edman became the first half-Korean player to represent South Korea’s national team.
It was during this time that he was teammates with Hyeseong Kim, who was also part of the 2023 WBC squad.
Now the pair have been reunited after Kim signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the offseason.
“He’s awesome. I was really excited,” Edman said of being Dodgers teammates with Kim. “I enjoyed getting the chance to play with him for a few weeks back in 2023. What stood out to me was he’s an incredibly hard worker, plays the game the right way and he’s going to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
“I’m excited to see him. I haven’t gotten a chance to see him again since then, so it will be good to catch up. We’ll get some good work in together during the spring and throughout the year.”
South Korea had a disappointing finish in the World Baseball Classic, failing to advance past pool play in a group where Japan was the only true powerhouse. This included an upset at the hands of Team Australia in the opening game of Pool B play.
While they played alongside each other in the WBC in the middle infield, their expected roles with the Dodgers will be different as Kim should be at second base while Edman patrols center field.
Tommy Edman just missed ranking by the Shredder for 2025
There is still some uncertainty about who will be the Dodgers’ primary center fielder this season, but Edman is assumed to be the current frontrunner.
Edman has 153 appearances in the outfield compared to 565 in the infield, so it is sure to be an adjustment if that is the case.
Regardless, Edman was ranked the 10th-best center fielder for this year by MLB Network analyst Chris Young, but missed out on making The Shredder’s list.
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