Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Hyeseong Kim spoke about the opportunity to represent Team Korea in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Team Korea included Kim of their roster for the 2026 WBC in Jan., marking the second time he will appear in the tournament.
“Ever since I became a professional baseball player, it’s always been a dream to play for Team Korea,” Kim said through his translator. “Hopefully I can help Team Korea have a good WBC.”
The 27-year-old represented his country in the 2023 installment of the tournament, and slashed .500/.667/.500 with three RBIs in the three games he participated in. Team Korea ultimately fell short, though, falling out of the group stage.
How Was Hyeseong Kim’s Rookie Season?
The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million contract ahead of the season, but the rookie didn’t make the team on Opening Day.
He played in Triple-A for a couple of months, posting a .793 OPS with five homers in 37 games, before the Dodgers called him up May 3, 2025.
Kim stayed at the major league level for the remainder of the season, and got off to an incredible start with the Dodgers. He had a .422 batting average with an OPS north of 1.000 in his first month with the team, but limited opportunities hindered his ability to keep performing.
He ended the season with 71 games played and a .280/.314/.385 slash line. The utility man has spoken about his performances throughout the offseason and has declared he wants to improve in 2026.
“30 out of 100,” Kim said when asked to rate his rookie season. “I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t satisfied. I think I have a long way to go. To fill the remaining 70 points, I need to improve in all areas. As a baseball player, I will strive to reach 100.”
Which Other Dodgers Will Play in the WBC?
Not all WBC rosters are available yet, but at least four other Dodgers will take part in the tournament.
Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will lead Team Japan in the WBC as they look for a second consecutive WBC title.
Will Smith will feature for Team USA, and Clayton Kershaw came out of retirement to participate in his first tournament.
MLB will release the remainder of the WBC rosters Thursday at 4:00 p.m. PT. Which Dodgers are you excited to watch?
