Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim Could Win Platinum Glove Award, Says Miguel Rojas
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim has the potential to win several prestigious accolades throughout his MLB career, according to teammate Miguel Rojas.
“He can be a Gold Glove Award winner, a Platinum Glove winner, at second base — I can tell you that right now,” Rojas said to Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles Times. “The guy really makes the plays. He seems really athletic. He turns double plays really well. He’s not flashy at all. He just catches the ball and makes the play. I’m excited. He has the opportunity to do something special.”
Kim’s arrival to spring camp came with chatter and praise about his defensive prowess. It comes as no surprise given he is a four-time Gold Glove Award winner in the KBO. He’s won three at second base as well as one at shortstop.
The high praise from Rojas certainly bodes well for Kim’s goal of making the 2025 Opening Day roster, but the Dodgers will also evaluate his bat before making any final decisions.
“The Dodgers are a great team, and I grew up watching them play quite a bit because of Korean players there,” Kim told reporters at Incheon International Airport as he came over to the States. “It will be an honor to make my major league debut with the club I watched on television. I want to make it happen as quickly as I can. My immediate goal is to make the Opening Day roster.”
Kim made the jump to stateside baseball with the mindset he would have to fight for a roster spot, so he’s not afraid of the spring competition.
“It’s not as though I won’t have competition on a different team. Since this is my first year, I thought I would have to battle for my playing time no matter where I ended up,” he said. “Ultimately, I decided I’d try to do that on the Dodgers.”
The Dodgers plan on Kim playing all over the field this spring, including second base, third base, shortstop, and even center field. While Kim only has corner outfield experience, the Dodgers feel he can be another left-handed option in center — a position where utility man Tommy Edman is expected to play in 2025.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
