The Los Angeles Dodgers strengthened their infield once they signed Korean free agent Hyeseong Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million contract. The deal additionally has an choice for 2028-29 that might improve the worth of the contract to $22 million.
The Dodgers are additionally relying on him to be a distinction maker and despatched Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds shortly after.
Kim talked about in an interview with the Yonhap Information Company that the Dodgers had been the primary staff to succeed in out and now, he has one purpose in thoughts – to make the Opening Day roster.
“The Dodgers are an awesome staff, and I grew up watching them play fairly a bit due to Korean gamers there,” Kim instructed reporters at Incheon Worldwide Airport. “It will likely be an honor to make my main league debut with the membership I watched on tv. I need to make it occur as rapidly as I can. My speedy purpose is to make the Opening Day roster.”
Extra information: Dodgers Nonetheless Plan to Play Mookie Betts at Shortstop Following Newest Strikes
With Lux now in Cincinnati, Kim’s competitors for the beginning second base job solely consists of Chris Taylor and Miguel Rojas. Tommy Edman is anticipated to play extra centerfield in 2025 than he did in 2024 and Mookie Betts is returning to shortstop.
The infield depth doesn’t scare Kim.
“It’s not as if I gained’t have competitors on a distinct staff. Since that is my first yr, I assumed I must battle for my taking part in time irrespective of the place I ended up,” he mentioned. “Finally, I made a decision I’d strive to try this on the Dodgers.”
Kim is a four-time recipient of the KBO Golden Glove Award, which acknowledges the highest participant at every place within the league. He earned the award at second base up to now three seasons after securing it at shortstop in 2021.
Kim posted a .304 batting common and a .364 on-base share over his eight seasons with the Heroes. He additionally stole 20 or extra bases in every of the previous seven years, peaking at 46 steals in 2021. A left-handed hitter, Kim completed the 2024 season with a .326/.383/.458 slash line, 11 dwelling runs, and 30 steals for Kiwoom.
Extra information: Dodgers Nonetheless Plan to Play Mookie Betts at Shortstop Following Newest Strikes
Photograph Credit score: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports activities
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