The Los Angeles Dodgers are holding full-squad Spring Training workouts at Camelback Ranch in preparation for their Cactus League opener against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.
The team has several new players for the 2025 season, including Hyeseong Kim, who was signed to a three-year, $12.5 million contract. The deal includes team options for the 2028 and 2029 seasons that must be exercised or declined together.
Kim is looking to follow in the footsteps of Chan Ho Park and Hyun-Jin Ryu as players from South Korea who found success with the Dodgers.
With Kim getting acclimated to his new club, Mookie Betts encouraged fans to start a “Let’s go Dodgers” chant while the 26-year-old was participating in fielding drills.
Mookie starting the Dodger chants for Hyeseong. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/NDuGSsPpNt
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 16, 2025
Kim joined the Dodgers after spending the last eight seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). He played six of those with the Kiwoom Heroes and won three KBO Fielding Awards from 2021-2023 while appearing at four different positions.
Kim cited the Dodgers’ international history and the chance to win a World Series as key reasons behind his decision to sign with the Dodgers.
“It was my favorite team growing up and obviously it’s the best team in the world,” Kim said through an interpreter of signing with the Dodgers.
“It’s been really exciting and obviously we have a lot of star power, a lot of superstars on the team. It’s going to be exciting to get to know them and I want to make sure I live up to their standard, playing with the superstars. I want to prepare the right way during the spring.”
Hyeseong Kim wants to make Dodgers’ Opening Day roster
Kim, who said his top priority is making the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, does not have the right to reject a Minor League assignment. This was likely worked into his contract to help the Dodgers manage their depth over the course of the year.
However, Kim has a strong chance to break camp with the Dodgers following the trade of Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. Kim is now in line to receive the majority of opportunities at second base this season.
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