The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again making waves, and this time, it’s courtesy of their newest acquisition: South Korean infielder Hye-Seong Kim.
According to The Athletic, Kim inked a three-year deal worth $22 million just under the wire before the deadline to secure a spot with an MLB team or head back to the KBO, where he’s been making a name for himself with the Kiwoom Heroes. The timing couldn’t have been more dramatic—the Dodgers scooped him up just hours before the clock ran out.
Kim is set to turn 26 later this month, and his numbers from the 2023 KBO season are nothing short of impressive. Over 127 games, he posted a .326 batting average, with a solid .383 on-base percentage and a .458 slugging percentage. Add 26 doubles, four triples, 11 homers, and 30 stolen bases to the mix, and you’ve got a well-rounded offensive profile.
Sure, the power numbers haven’t traditionally been his forte, but he’s shown steady improvement, notching career highs in slugging for three straight years and nearly doubling his previous best home run total last season.
How Does Kim Fit Into The Dodgers Lineup?
For MLB scouts, Kim’s track record isn’t completely new. He’s played alongside big names like Jung Hoo Lee and Ha-Seong Kim. This allows front offices to assess his game in action.
Defensively, he’s versatile, primarily holding down second base but capable of filling in at shortstop and third when needed. While his offensive transition to MLB pitching might take time, his glove and speed on the basepaths should provide immediate value.
Now, the big question: where does Kim fit in with the Dodgers? Spring training will likely offer clues, but their roster flexibility opens several possibilities.
If Gavin Lux anchors second base and Mookie Betts stays at shortstop, Kim might initially serve as a backup. However, Betts could easily shift back to the outfield, giving Kim a shot at starting in the infield.
With utility players like Chris Taylor and Miguel Rojas already in the mix, the Dodgers are creating a puzzle where every piece adds depth—a crucial strategy considering the injury woes they faced last season.
Ultimately, this signing is less about instant impact and more about fortifying the roster. The Dodgers aren’t just adding a talented player; they’re ensuring their competition doesn’t get him. In the cutthroat world of MLB, that’s a win on its own.
