Dodgers Haven’t Decided if Hyeseong Kim Will Travel to Japan for Tokyo Series
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim was an important acquisition this winter, but there is a real possibility the four-time Gold Glover from the KBO will not join the team in Tokyo.
The conversations surrounding Kim’s chances of traveling to Japan with the Dodgers are currently ongoing.
More news: Dodgers Cut 7 More Players From Spring Roster as Japan Trip Nears
The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million deal in January, and traded starting second baseman Gavin Lux a few days after. The deal seemingly signaled Kim was poised to replace Lux in the L.A. infield.
Manager Dave Roberts spoke about Kim’s transition from KBO to stateside baseball this spring.
“Defensively, I think it’ll be very seamless,” Roberts said of the transition. “Offensively, there’s certainly more velocity. Controlling, getting his path right. Being able to handle balls that move late, handle velocity, and use the whole field. He’s going to put the ball in play. He can run. I just think he needs repetition.”
While Kim has impressed his teammates and Roberts with his defense, the Dodgers appear to be concerned with his bat.
“I would say, if there’s one part of it, the question mark, I would say it is the bat,” Roberts said. “The competition is different over there than here. … Obviously he’s going through some swing changes that he believes will help him also make this transition easier and sustainable.
“He bet on himself to come here and to compete, and so right now he’s in a competition to earn a job with us. I would say that that’s still all in play, and we don’t need to make a decision right now, obviously, but I would say that if there’s one thing that … still is in question is the bat. And I think that’s a fair thought on our part.”
Upon his arrival to the Dodgers, there was immediately high expectations for the decorated infielder. But Kim is, after all, still a rookie, and could benefit from starting the season in the minors.
Whether or not he starts the season in the minors, the Dodgers could keep him in Arizona instead of traveling to Japan to get more work in at Camelback Ranch. Then, he could still make the domestic Opening Day roster.
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Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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