Hyeseong Kim -- General News

Hyeseong Kim is a South Korean infielder/outfielder who debuted for the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 3, 2025 at age 26. The 5-10, 175-pound player can play second base, shortstop, and center field, batting left-handed while throwing right.

In his 2025 rookie season, Kim appeared in 71 games with a .280 batting average, .699 OPS, and 1.7 WAR. He recorded 45 hits, 3 home runs, 17 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases across 161 at-bats, demonstrating efficiency in his limited at-bats with an OPS+ of 96. His performance exceeded standard rookie limits, establishing him as a regular contributor rather than a part-time player.

Kim's service time through January 2026 stands at 0.149 years. He holds pre-arbitration eligibility for 2026, with arbitration eligibility beginning in 2028 and free agency eligibility in 2032. Early 2026 spring training statistics show limited action: 3 games, 7 at-bats with 3 hits and a .429 batting average.

The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated shortstop Mookie Betts from the injured list, requiring a roster adjustment on their 26-man roster. Rather than removing Kim Hye-seong, the organization optioned infielder Alex Freeland to Triple-A. Kim had initially lost the spring training roster competition to Freeland despite posting above-.400 batting numbers, and began the season in the minor leagues. When Betts suffered a side injury, Kim was called up early in the season and has since made a significant impact with strong offensive, defensive, and baserunning contributions. His performance during this opportunity was sufficient to retain his roster spot when Betts returned, resulting in Freeland being sent back to the minors instead. Kim is now expected to remain with the major league club and continue competing for playing time at the MLB level.

Hyeseong Kim, the Dodgers' $12.5 million signing from South Korea, was demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City at the start of the 2024 season despite his offseason work on revamping his swing. The demotion came after Kim regressed during the World Baseball Classic with Team South Korea, reverting to poor plate habits. Dodgers coaches and front office staff informed Kim he needed consistent at-bats to continue his swing adjustment work. Though initially feeling "a little down," Kim approached the demotion with motivation rather than disappointment, stating he understood exactly what needed improvement. In Triple-A, Kim showed immediate progress, going 9-for-26 while reducing his strikeout rate. He earned a recall to the majors when Mookie Betts suffered an oblique strain and has since become a regular contributor to the Dodgers' team, which has the best record in baseball. Manager Dave Roberts has praised Kim's mindset and work ethic, noting his ability to make meaningful contributions when given playing time.

Hyeseong Kim opened the 2026 season in the minor leagues with the Oklahoma City Comets after losing the final roster spot to former prospect Alex Freeland. The Dodgers elected to send the South Korean infielder down to gain consistent at-bats and work on his batting mechanics, a noted weakness since his three-year, $12.5 million signing last winter. Kim, a four-time Gold Glove winner in the KBO, acknowledged feeling discouraged by the decision but committed to improving. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed it was his toughest spring decision, noting Kim would eventually help the team.

Kim's opportunity came quickly when Mookie Betts landed on the injured list with a right oblique strain just weeks into the season. Called up as an infield platoon option, Kim has capitalized on the chance to play, hitting .273 with one home run, three RBIs, and three stolen bases. His early performance demonstrates the value of his minor league development time and defensive prowess, positioning him as a key contributor for the Dodgers during Betts' recovery.