The Los Angeles-based media outlet 'LA Times' focused on Kim Hye-seong, who has become a new member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After graduating from Dongsan High School, Kim Hye-seong began his professional career when he was selected in the second round of the 2017 Nexen Heroes draft. As of last year, he has played in a total of 953 games in the first division, achieving a batting average of .343 (3,433 at-bats, 1,043 hits), 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs scored, 211 stolen bases, and an OPS of .767.
Kim Hye-seong won the Gold Glove Award once for shortstop and three times for second baseman between 2021 and 2024, and has been a regular member of the national team for events like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2023 World Baseball Classic, 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, and 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship.
Last year, he successfully finished the season with a batting average of .326 (509 at-bats, 166 hits), 11 home runs, 75 RBIs, 90 runs scored, 30 stolen bases, and an OPS of .841. Kim Hye-seong pushed for a Major League Baseball (MLB) advancement through the posting system, signing a contract with the Dodgers, which is well-known to domestic fans as the former team of Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin, for up to 3+2 years and $22 million.
'LA Times' reported on the 24th (Korean time) that “Sasaki Roki, who moved over from Japan, is receiving the most attention at the Dodgers camp, but utility player Kim Hye-seong, who has won the Golden Glove four times in the KBO League, is closely following in second place.”
The outlet raised questions about whether Kim Hye-seong could adapt well to the high level of Major League Baseball, while sharing positive reactions from teammates. Infielder Miguel Rojas confidently stated, “Kim Hye-seong can be a Gold Glove winner at second base. I can say that right now.” He further praised Kim Hye-seong’s solid fundamentals by saying, “He has exceptional athleticism, especially with double plays. He’s far from being flashy.”
Manager Dave Roberts expressed his intention to use Kim Hye-seong not only at his primary positions of second base and shortstop but also at third base and, depending on the situation, in the outfield. “I want to see what Kim Hye-seong shows in various positions,” explained Manager Roberts.
Kim Hye-seong sought technical changes to tackle the high-level pitchers in the Major Leagues. Tommy Edman, who played alongside Kim Hye-seong on the 2023 World Baseball Classic Korean team, predicted, “Kim Hye-seong has become much stronger than two years ago. He will face faster pitches than in the KBO League, but I believe he will adapt well.”
Rojas stated, “Kim Hye-seong is a player with many strengths. The opposing teams will look to exploit his weaknesses,” and added, “How quickly Kim Hye-seong can adapt to this new stage will be crucial.”
The outlet noted, “Among Korean hitters, only a few have succeeded in Major League Baseball, such as Choo Shin-soo and Kim Ha-seong,” while also stating, “The Dodgers believe that Kim Hye-seong has the ability and work ethic to achieve good results in the big leagues.”
Kim Hye-seong remarked, “Everyone treats me well, so adapting is not a problem,” adding, “I am determined to prove I am ready to show better results and play at Dodger Stadium.”
Meanwhile, on the 24th, Kim Hye-seong recorded his first hit of the spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. He did not make the starting lineup that day but stepped up to bat in the fourth inning in place of Mookie Betts and got an infield hit. Kim Hye-seong also walked in the sixth inning, successfully reaching base twice. He played defense in both shortstop and center field that day.