Kim Hye-seong, a utility player once spotlighted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, is now showing signs of struggle in his previously strong defense as well as in batting.

On the 26th (Korea time), Kim Hye-seong went hitless with 3 at-bats and 2 strikeouts while coming off the bench in a Major League Baseball spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.

As a result, his spring training statistics show a batting average of .111 (1 hit in 9 at-bats), along with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. His only hit was a ground ball single at first base against the San Diego Padres on the 24th.

Kim Hye-seong has played in a total of 953 games in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League, boasting a batting average of .343 (1,043 hits in 3,433 at-bats), 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs, 211 stolen bases, and an OPS of .767, demonstrating outstanding skills offensively, but is struggling on the American stage.

Dodgers Nation, which mainly covers Dodgers news, noted, "While Kim Hye-seong won the Golden Glove in the KBO League, he is lacking in offensive power," and added, "Kim Hye-seong has recorded 1 hit in 9 at-bats, with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts during the spring training. In the game on the 26th, he went hitless in 3 at-bats."

The outlet added, "When the Dodgers acquired Kim Hye-seong, it was expected that he would become the starting second baseman, but that may no longer be the case."

Furthermore, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, "Kim Hye-seong might begin this season in the minor leagues for a batting adjustment," adding, "Brandon Gomes, the Director General of the Dodgers, has not clearly stated anything regarding Kim Hye-seong's future status."

The media outlet also added that "Currently, Kim Hye-seong's place on the roster is not guaranteed. He needs to show a differentiated performance from the existing infielders."

Accordingly, there is speculation that if Kim Hye-seong's batting does not improve, he might start this season in the minor leagues rather than the big leagues.

Could it be the burden of his batting struggles? Kim Hye-seong also showed an unstable performance in defense. While playing shortstop, he recorded an error in the 8th inning by dropping a routine ground ball after failing to secure it in his glove. He successfully handled two more ground balls and a line drive afterward.

Where will Kim Hye-seong, who is expected to handle both infield and outfield defense as a utility player, begin his season?

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