Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Hyeseong Kim did not feature much during the postseason, which should have him free to participate in the World Baseball Classic.
Kim was a revelation during the regular season for the Dodgers, injecting a much needed spark when the team needed it through quality contact hitting and stellar base running.
He started the year on the minor league roster, so he could adjust his mechanics and swing to the States. His work paid dividends early on, but a shoulder injury and slump following his hot start relegated him to a platoon role when he returned.
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Manager Dave Roberts ended up trusting Miguel Rojas, Enrique Hernandez, and Tommy Edman over Kim in October, using him for base running opportunities late in the game.
Considering it was his rookie year, Kim making the postseason and making the roster was quite the feat, and he is positioned to get more chances at getting more playing time.
Before the season starts, however, Kim wants to represent his home country of Korea in the World Baseball Classic.
“If the club approves and I am selected for the national team, I will definitely participate,” Kim told a Korean news outlet.
“Every player dreams of being on the national team. I am no exception.” “If the team allows, I’d like to attend the first training camp, but I’m not sure yet. I think my departure date will be set once I hear back from the team.”
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In 71 games at the major league level, Kim hit .280/.314/.385 with three home runs and 17 RBIs, stealing 13 bases in the process.
He still has a ways to go at the plate, especially when it comes to seeing pitches and making quality contact regularly, but at the age of 26, there is plenty of time for Kim to become a plus hitter along with his impressive defense range and base-running threat.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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