There are gloomy local forecasts in the United States that Kim Hye-sung (Los Angeles Dodgers), aiming to become a major leaguer rather than remaining a minor leaguer, may find it difficult to join the Tokyo series despite his impressive batting average of .385 in March exhibition games.

Dodgers Nation, which covers news about Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "the Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to make a definitive decision regarding Kim Hye-sung's participation in the Tokyo series."

Dodgers Nation noted that "Kim Hye-sung, who has won the Golden Glove four times in the KBO League, was an important acquisition for the Dodgers this winter. However, he is highly unlikely to join the Tokyo series. Discussions about Kim Hye-sung's trip to Japan are still ongoing within the organization."

Kim Hye-sung dramatically realized his dream of becoming a major leaguer by signing with the Dodgers just about three hours before the posting deadline on Jan. 4. The conditions included a maximum of $22 million (about 32.3 billion won) over 3+2 years, with $12.5 million (about 18.4 billion won) guaranteed for three years and team options for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.

When the Dodgers were set to trade starting second baseman Gavin Lux, expectations were high for Kim Hye-sung's smooth competition for the starting position. However, after showing weaknesses in hitting since the start of the exhibition games, his position gradually became precarious, leading him to even decide to change his batting form. Though he hit a home run against the San Francisco Giants on the 2nd, he could not maintain impactful performances for a while.

Kim Hye-sung chose the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have the deepest depth in Major League Baseball, and is facing an even tougher survival competition. Without a minor league refusal clause in his contract, if he were to be notified of a demotion to the minor leagues, he would not be able to raise any objections and would have to accept it as is.

Fortunately, in March, Kim Hye-sung showed signs of adapting to Major League pitchers. Starting with his first home run on March 2, he recorded hits against the Los Angeles Angels on the 6th, the Seattle Mariners on the 8th, and the Oakland Athletics on the 10th. On that day, he contributed to the team's victory by going 1-for-1 with one stolen base and two runs scored against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kim Hye-sung's batting average for March reached .385 (5 hits in 13 at-bats).

Despite this, local media views the possibility of Kim Hye-sung going to Tokyo as low.

Dodgers Nation analyzed that "Kim Hye-sung has left a strong impression on his teammates and manager Dave Roberts, but the Dodgers are concerned about his hitting. As a rookie, he would have much to learn even if he starts the season in the minor leagues. Moreover, regardless of a potential demotion, he could remain in Arizona to learn more during camp instead of heading to Japan, aiming to make the opening day roster in the U.S."

The Dodgers will play their final exhibition game against the Cleveland Guardians on the 12th. Can Kim Hye-sung, aiming for a trip to Tokyo, impress Dodgers manager Dave Roberts enough to step onto the Tokyo Dome?

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