Who is Hyeseong Kim? Dodgers Target Set to Join MLB Club on Friday
Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim must sign with a Major League Baseball team on Friday, Jan. 3, the final day of his 30-day posting window. If Kim does not sign by Friday at 2 p.m. PT, he will return to the Korean Baseball Organization for the 2025 season.
While there has not been much information on Kim’s free agency, on Friday, Naver Sports reported that Kim was signing a $22 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal is reportedly for “3+2 years.”
Who is Hyeseong Kim?
Hyeseong Kim is a 25-year-old infielder who has spent the last eight years in the KBO. Across 127 games in 2024, he slashed .326/.383/.458 with 11 home runs, 75 runs batted in, and an OPS of .841. It was his best year as a professional.
Kim was posted by the Kiwooom Heroes last month. He’s reportedly received offers from multiple clubs, including the Dodgers. Other teams who reportedly made him an offer are the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and Seattle Mariners.
Across Kim’s eight seasons in the KBO, he slashed .304/.364/.403 with 37 home runs, 386 runs batted in, 150 doubles, 39 triples, and 211 stolen bases. He stole a career-high 46 bases in 2021.
Defensively, Kim can play all over the diamond. He’s a utility man who mainly plays second base, but also has experience at third base, shortstop, left field, and right field. He has three KBO Gold Glove awards.
Did the Dodgers Sign Hyeseong Kim?
Kim’s deadline to sign is nearing, and according to a report from Naver Sports, he’s joining the Dodgers on a $22 million deal.
Where Does Hyeseong Kim Fit on the Dodgers?
If the Dodgers do sign Kim, he’ll likely play at second base, putting Gavin Lux’s future into question. Lux has been a subject of trade rumors all offseason long, but as of now, he remains the team’s starting second baseman. The addition of Kim would cloudy Lux’s future in Los Angeles.
Stay tuned on dodgersnation.com for more updates on this developing situation.
Photo Credit: Mandi Wright-USA TODAY Sports
Although I like Kike, Lux, and CT3, one of them or two will be sacrificed. They all have an attribute to be valued but H. Kim’s resume seems to be a cut above three of them, albeit it’s the KBO. He’s a young player with a lot of upside that I think can be a dynamic player, that I’ll will have to wait and see. I trust the scouting departments, where we need to balance the roster with younger, high energy, faster ball players.
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