UPDATE (Jan. 3, 2 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million contract. Kim’s deal includes an option for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, which must be picked up or declined for both years.
While all the focus on the international free agent front is placed on Roki Sasaki, Korean Baseball star Hyeseong Kim is also making the jump to Major League Baseball.
Kim was posted by the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) early last month, which opened a 30-day signing window. His deadline to sign is Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. PT or he will return to the KBO.
The 25-year-old has received offers from multiple clubs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he decides on his next team, according to Lee Young-mi of Sunday Newspaper in Korea. In addition, he also has offers from the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs.
However, Young-mi also reports the expectations for Kim’s contract have fallen short with no team exceeding more than $12 million over three years. Kim was projected to receive an offer worth $24 million over three years by MLB Trade Rumors.
Kim is coming off the best season of his career in which he hit .326/.383/.458 over 567 plate appearances and over his eight years in the KBO, he’s hit .304/.364/.403 with 150 doubles, 39 triples, 37 home runs, 386 RBI, 591 runs and 211 stolen bases.
Running may be Kim’s best offensive attribute as he stole a career-high 46 bases in 2021 and has posted at least 25 in each of the next three seasons. He has swiped 20 or more bags in all seven of his full seasons.
There’s little power upside in his left-handed bat, topping out at 11 home runs last season, but he has quality bat-to-ball skills and walks at a rate close to his strikeout rate.
Primarily a second baseman, Kim also has experience at shortstop, third base and both corner outfield spots. He is considered a plus defender with three KBO Gold Gloves.
How would Hye-Seong Kim fit with the Dodgers?
Kim is projected to be a utility man but comes with the upside to be a regular at second base. For the Dodgers, he would add to their depth and give them another versatile piece with an offensive profile that’s different than most of their regulars.
If they believe in his upside as a second baseman, it would also allow them to trade Gavin Lux, who has already been the subject of trade talks this offseason.
However, as things stand, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor are the only backup infield options on the club, so adding another player to the mix would be beneficial.
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