In addition to the Los Angeles Dodgers having interest in Roki Sasaki, they reportedly were among the teams to make a contract offer for Hyeseong Kim.
Kim was posted by the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) in December, which opened a 30-day signing window. Kim’s deadline to sign with an MLB team was at 2 p.m. on Jan. 3.
According to Francys Romero, Kim signed a three-year contract with the Dodgers:
Sources: Korean 2B Hyeseong Kim and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a 3-year deal.
In 9 seasons in the KBO, Kim has a .304 batting average with 37 HR. He can play across the entire infield. @DanielKimW and Korean media on it.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) January 3, 2025
If Kim failed to sign with an MLB team by his deadline, he was due to return to Korea for one more season with the Heroes. MLB Trade Rumors projected Kim would receive a three-year, $24 million contract.
The Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs are also believed to have made contract offers to Kim.
Kim is coming off the best season of his career in which he batted .326/.383/.458 across 567 plate appearances. Over his eight years in the KBO, Kim hit .304/.364/.403 with 150 doubles, 39 triples, 37 home runs, 386 RBI, 591 runs and 211 stolen bases.
Along with being a strong contact hitter, one of Kim’s strengths is baserunning. He stole a career-high 46 bases in 2021 and has at least 20 stolen bases in seven seasons.
How does Hye-Seong Kim fit Dodgers roster?
Kim is primarily a second baseman but also has the ability to play shortstop, third base, left field and right field. He won three KBO Golden Gloves, which are presented annually to the best overall players. Kim is the only KBO player to win a Golden Glove Award at shortstop and second base.
The Fielding Award, which was created in 2023 and focuses on defense, was won by Kim at second base in 2023 and 2024.
The expectation is Kim will fill a utility role in the Majors, but he has upside to emerge as a regular second baseman.
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