Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim has continued to impress upon his arrival to Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million deal in the offseason and traded Gavin Lux days after. Lux’s departure seemingly signaled Kim would be the team’s starting second baseman for the 2025 campaign; however, the four-time KBO Gold Glover struggled at the plate this spring, which kept him in the minors to start the season.
Once Tommy Edman landed on the injured list with right ankle inflammation, the Dodgers called up Kim as a temporary replacement. In 14 games, Kim is hitting .452 with 14 hits and an OPS of 1.065 since joining the big league team.
Kim’s breakout performance caused the Dodgers to pivot, and instead of sending the infielder back down to the minors once Edman was activated, the team opted to release Chris Taylor instead.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman heaped high praise for the Dodgers rookie, who reached base in nine consecutive plate appearances over the weekend.
“Beyond just how endearing he is to his teammates, just the energy he brings, the foot speed, the versatility as well, it’s just something that adds a lot to our roster and a different look,” Friedman said of Kim. “No decision is ever made in a vacuum. It’s within the context of our roster and where we’re at. And he’s done a great job.”
