Dodgers Are The ‘Best Team in The World’ Says $12.5 Million Infielder

Hyeseong Kim and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a three-year, $12.5 million deal in early January, but the Korean utility infielder had his first interaction with fans on Saturday at DodgerFest.

Kim has followed the Dodgers throughout his life and expressed that during an interview via a translator.

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“It was my favorite team growing up, and obviously, it’s the best team in the world, so it’s been really exciting,” Kim said. “Obviously, we have a lot of star-power and superstars on the team so it’s been really exciting to get to know them and I want to make sure I live up to their standards.”

Joining the Dodgers also reunites Kim with one of his Team Korea teammates in Tommy Edman.

The two were teammates during the World Baseball Classic in 2023 and Edman is “excited” to be in the same lineup as Kim again.

“I was really excited,” Edman said Saturday at Dodger Fest. “I enjoyed getting the chance to play with him for the few weeks back in 2023. He’s an incredibly hard worker, plays the game the right way. He’s going to do whatever it takes to help the team win. So I’m excited to see him again.”

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Kim’s contract with the Dodgers includes a two-year club option for the 2028 and 2029 season which could bring his total to $22 million averaging around $9.5 million per season.

The Dodgers were also required to pay a $2.5 million release fee to Kiwoom, which is 20 percent of the total package according to the rules.

In the 2024 season, Kim posted a .326 batting average with the Kiwoom Heroes, hitting 11 home runs and driving in 75 RBIs. Despite his strong individual performance, the team ended the regular season with a 58-86 record, placing them at the bottom of the standings.

The 25-year-old Kim is a career .304 hitter with 37 home runs and 211 stolen bases in 953 games while playing in the KBO. 

More news: Hyeseong Kim Grew Up Watching Dodgers, Chose Jersey Number Because of Trea Turner

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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