When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim, the general expectation was he would likely take hold of the starting job at second base.
That held particularly true with the Dodgers’ decision to trade Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. However, the Dodgers front office and manager Dave Roberts quickly began to note Kim’s development would take precedent over being forced into a starting role.
Roberts additionally indicated the Dodgers were open to the possibility of having Kim begin the season in the Minors with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio, that is coming to fruition as Kim did not make the Dodgers’ travel roster for the Tokyo Series:
Hyeseong Kim will not travel to Japan with #Dodgers and Dave Roberts said decision has been made for Kim to begin season at Triple-A OKC.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 11, 2025
The Dodgers have lauded Kim’s bat-to-ball skills, but he spent Spring Training implementing swing adjustments as he worked to get acclimated to facing Major League pitching. Although Kim’s results in spring left plenty to be desired, the Dodgers remained encouraged by his progress.
That also applied to the positional versatility Kim has displayed. He not only spent some time at shortstop but also played Cactus League games in center field as well.
Hyeseong Kim falls short of goal
Shortly after signing with the Dodgers, Kim publicly set a goal of making the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster for the Tokyo Series.
Although that is not coming to be, Kim should make an impact with the team at some point in 2025 and figures to benefit from making regular at-bats with the Oklahoma City Comets.
Kim’s contract did not include a clause that prevents the Dodgers from being able to option him to the Minors.
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