Dodgers' Roberts Praises Hyeseong Kim, Wants to Keep Him in Lineup

Published 1 week ago• 2 minute read

Hyeseong Kim has arrived.

After signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year, $12.5 million deal this offseason, the Korean star was stashed away in Triple-A Oklahoma City to start 2025.

However, Tommy Edman's and Teoscar Hernández's injuries have forced manager Dave Roberts to reconfigure his defensive alignment, paving the way for Kim’s Big League debut. After starting each of the last three games, he is making the most of the opportunity and could become a fixture in this lineup.

Here is what Roberts told reporters after the game:

Kim’s savvy approach and bat-to-ball skills have already translated as he has five hits over 12 at-bats, including two multi-hit performances against the Miami Marlins. Kim has also scored one run in each of his starts.

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim (6) catches a ground ball but cannot throw out Miami Marlins second baseman Ronny Simon (not pictured) during the ninth inning at loanDepot Park.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

It is still far too small a sample size to make any definitive decisions, but Kim’s .833 OPS and 140 OPS+ are encouraging.

Perhaps the most valuable element of Kim’s game is his defensive versatility. He has started two games at second base, one in center field, and seen reserve time as a shortstop. If he can continue to produce at the plate and provide Roberts with a Swiss Army Knife in the field, he may need to stay in the lineup even when the team is fully healthy.

Kim’s most likely path to playing time will be in a platoon role. The left-handed hitter pairs nicely with righty utility men Kiké Hernández and Chris Taylor. The Dodgers could also opt to send Kim back down to the minors once Edman and Teoscar return and ensure him regular at-bats.

Kim’s progress at the Major League level over the next week will be an interesting development to monitor.

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