Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim Becoming Key Part of Success

Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim Becoming Key Part of Success originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers made plenty of huge signings this offseason, whether it was extending current players or adding to the roster.

The Dodgers acquired starting pitcher Blake Snell, relievers Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott, outfielder Michael Conforto, and KBO additions Rosi Sasaki and Hyeseong Kim. In addition, Los Angeles agreed to extensions with Teoscar Hernandez, Clayton Kershaw, Blake Treinen, and Tommy Edman.

However, the name most people would forget out of that group is Kim, who spent the last eight years in the KBO playing for the Nexen Heroes for two years, who later became the Kiwoom Heroes for the last six years.

Kim carved out quite a career in the KBO before coming over to MLB. He hit over .300 in his final four seasons with an OPS over .840 in his last two seasons.

The former KBO standout also earned four Gold Glove awards for his elite defense and led the league with 46 stolen bases in 2021.

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman (left) and manager Dave Roberts at press conference at Dodger Stadium.Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million deal, which seems low, especially with how the Dodgers spend money. However, there was uncertainty about how much Kim’s success in the KBO would translate over to the Major Leagues.

Kim struggled to get going in spring training and started the season in Triple-A. The defensive utility player held his own hitting .252 with a near .800 OPS while playing three different positions in centerfield, shortstop, and second base.

Just three days into May, Kim got the call-up to the majors. He got the opportunity to play nearly every day throughout May and crushed it in the batter’s box.

At the end of May, Kim was hitting .422 with an OPS over 1.000, and a 201 wRC+ across 48 plate appearances.

Kim has seen slightly less playing time through June as Los Angeles becomes healthier, and his numbers have dropped slightly. However, he’s still hitting .372 with a .940 OPS, and with his defensive prowess, he’s an asset for the Dodgers.

Kim’s incredible start to his rookie season has Just Baseball’s Ryan Murphy considering him a key cog for the Dodgers in 2025, even if his name isn’t the headline you see each night.

Whether Kim can keep this rampant start-up or not is yet to be seen, though. Based on his predicted stats, there could be a decline. Kim’s expected metrics show a batting average of .273 and a wOBA of .326, a considerable amount of points lower than his current stats.

However, even at those numbers, the rookie would be more than producing as a platoon defensive specialist near the bottom of the lineup.

Dave Roberts recently said that Kim is “earning the opportunity to get somewhat of a consistent look” (h/t dodgersnation.com).

Fans may not see Kim in the lineup every day, but when he’s had the opportunity, he’s produced for the Dodgers. Kim has quietly been a very important piece for the top team in the National League.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.

Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim Becoming Key Part of Success

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