The Los Angeles Dodgers remain active after signing Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim. According to ESPN’s Daniel Kim, he has signed a 3-year deal with an additional option for two more years. He’ll make 12.5 million guaranteed with incentives allowing the contract to reach $22 million.
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With Kim joining the fray, the Dodgers now have options. He mostly plays second base but has seen time at shortstop and third base. With Gavin Lux currently at second, Mookie Betts at shortstop, and Max Muncy at third, the Dodgers may need to adjust their infield. He’s a major contact bat that doesn’t strike out a lot. He’ll also bring elite defense and great speed. Is he proven at the MLB? No, but it’s a risk worth taking, especially with his age. He could force his way into the Dodgers lineup with a strong spring.
The Dodgers were not one of the many teams linked to Kim all offseason. The teams that had reportedly offered Kim a deal were the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays. He’ll likely fortify the current need at second base. Kim’s former team, the Kiwoom Heroes, officially posted him on December 5, giving him until 2 PM PST today to sign with an MLB club. The Dodgers swooped in just in time to make the winning offer. They’ll have to pay the release fee on top of the contract.
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Kim, 25, has played in the KBO since 2017 and spent the last six seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes. He hit .326/.383/.458 with 26 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, 75 RBIs, 90 runs, and 30 stolen bases in 127 games last year. Throughout his career, he’s hit .304/.364/.403.
Los Angeles will look to defend their title this season with some strong additions made to the roster this offseason.
