After starting the 2025 season in the Minor Leagues, Hyeseong Kim has proven that he belongs with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 32 games he’s played since getting recalled in early May.
Kim is one of two rookies the Dodgers have included in their lineup, with top prospect Dalton Rushing receiving his promotion on May 14. Both are trying to establish themselves without the benefit of an everyday role on this team.
The life of a bench player is not an easy one, as is made more difficult by the fact that the pair are facing Major League pitching for the first time in their respective careers. So far, Kim has enjoyed much more success compared to Rushing, who is still finding his way with the limited opportunities as the backup to Will Smith.
While Kim and Rushing are both rookies on paper, it isn’t exactly a fair comparison. Kim has played professional baseball in South Korea since 2017 and became a full-time starter in the KBO at age 19.
“I think Hyeseong is doing a fantastic job. He’s a little bit older and played professionally over in the KBO, so he’s gotten more professional at-bats than Dalton,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think he’s certainly performed and handled his playing two to three times per week seamlessly.”
In 32 games, Kim has hit .378/.418/.541 with four doubles, a triple and two home runs. The spark he brings to the lineup has become too much to ignore, and the Dodgers are increasing his opportunities moving forward.
Michael Conforto has had a long leash this season because the team believes in his ability, but they are prepared to slightly reduce his role in order to get Kim on the field more.
“I see him playing a lot still,” Roberts said of Conforto. “In that same vein, I do think that in a meritocracy, Hyeseong has earned opportunities, and I don’t want to get him to lose his mojo and sit for four, five or six days, and expect good at-bats.
“So I think he’s earned the opportunity to get more of a consistent look, and we’ll go from there.”
If Kim were to become more of an everyday type of player, it would be at either second base and center field. Though, Tommy Edman has exclusively played second base this season because of his right ankle trouble.
Regardless of who ends up playing where between Kim and Edman, it would result in Andy Pages taking Confoto’s spot in left field.
How Hyeseong Kim earns more at-bats against left-handers
The Dodgers are still avoiding left-handed pitching matchups for Kim, but he has proven himself when given the opportunity. He has collected three hits in four at-bats against left-handed pitching, including a double and home run.
Roberts has stated previously that Kim can earn more chances against left-handers if he continues to produce at the plate.
