The Los Angeles Dodgers added to their history of international signings when they inked Hyeseong Kim 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 spent 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.
The 26-year-old 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.
Kim’s transition shouldn’t be that difficult as he knows Tommy Edman from their time together with South Korea during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He also faced the Dodgers in an exhibition game before the Seoul Series last year.
“It was my favorite team growing up and obviously it’s the best team in the world,” Kim said through an interpreter of joining 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.”
At the time of his signing, Kim cited the Dodgers’ international history and the chance to win a World Series as key reasons behind his decision to join the team.
Kim was originally projected to be a utility man with the Dodgers, but the team trading Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds opened the door for him to receive plenty of opportunities at second base.
In addition to his slick glove work, Kim is known for his elite bat-to-ball skills. He hit .326 with the Heroes last year and posted a career .304 batting average during his time in South Korea.
Perhaps the most significant transition for him will be facing more velocity on a consistent basis.
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.
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