Kim got an opportunity in early April, and ended up taking the spot from Freeland<\/a>. However, after hitting .259 across 43 games, he was optioned back to Triple-A. <\/a><\/p>\n Kim wouldn’t return for the rest of the year until being the 26th man on the National League Division Series roster<\/a>. He entered NLDS Game 4 as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning. Then, he was left off the NL Championship Series roster.<\/a><\/p>\n After the season, Kim took to Instagram to send a direct message to Dodger fans about his “disappointing season.”<\/p>\n “Looking back on this season, I’m sorry I couldn’t show you better performances, and I was deeply disappointed in myself as well. Still, I sincerely thank everyone who supported me through it all,” Kim wrote. “Next year, I will strive to become a better person and a better baseball player.”<\/p>\n Kim also addressed whether or not he regrets signing with the Dodgers, as opposed to joining a team where he would have an everyday role at the big league level.<\/p>\n “I love the Dodgers, and I have never once been disappointed in this team,” he wrote. “It was my choice, and I haven’t regretted it for a single moment. My only disappointment was in myself. I have nothing but gratitude for the team and all the Dodgers fans!”<\/p>\n The Dodgers signed Kim out of Korea to a three-year, $12.5 million deal ahead of the 2025 season. The 2027 campaign will be his final guaranteed year. After that, the Dodgers have $5 million club options for 2028 and 2029.<\/p>\n Kim will be 28 next year. He’s a plus-defender at second base and brings great speed. However, he needs to improve his bat if he wants to remain at the big league level.<\/p>\n For what it’s worth, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman had high praise for Kim<\/a> while discussing his role during the postseason.<\/p>\n “As far as his development, we think really highly of the player,” Friedman said. “The swing got a little off this year, and we look forward to … working over the offseason because we really believe in the ability.”<\/p>\n Hyeseong Kim Opens Up on Disappointing Season<\/p>\n After the Dodgers lost Game 4 of the NLCS<\/a>, Kim spoke to Korean reporters<\/a> and opened up about his “disappointing” season.<\/p>\n “It seems like it was a disappointing year,” Kim said. “It is the most disappointing thing I’ve experienced while playing baseball. … I was dissatisfied with everything overall.”<\/p>\n Kim said his biggest regret was being unable to remain at the big league level, but understands why he wasn’t able to achieve that goal.<\/p>\n “I need to become a better hitter,” he said. “Defense is important, but I think hitting is crucial for surviving in the big leagues. My defense still has a long way to go, but to play as a starter, I think I need to improve my hitting.”<\/p>\n He added: “You realize your weaknesses best when you are at the very bottom. I felt many problems and realized what needed to be improved, so I think I need to consistently work on those improvements during the offseason.”<\/p>\n This will be a critical offseason for Kim to improve his hitting and force the Dodgers’ hand in 2027. If not, next year could end up being his last in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n Sign up for our free newsletter<\/a> and follow us on X\/Twitter<\/a> and Facebook<\/a> for the latest news.<\/p>\n
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