Introduction to Kim Hye-seong’s Background and Expectations

Kim Hye-seong, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ highly anticipated offseason acquisition from South Korea’s KBO league, entered MLB spring training with high expectations. As a former standout for the Kiwoom Heroes, Kim was renowned for his remarkable defensive abilities and offensive consistency in the Korean Baseball Organization. The Dodgers, eager to bolster their infield depth, signed Kim to a one-year contract. With a reputation for his sharp fielding and versatility, Kim was expected to provide stability to the Dodgers’ middle infield, potentially as a utility player capable of playing shortstop, second base, and even some outfield. However, spring training has not gone as smoothly as anticipated, putting his MLB debut in question for the 2025 season.

Challenges in Spring Training

In spring training, the stakes are high, and for Kim, the adjustment to MLB-level pitching has been far from seamless. Through his early at-bats, Kim has struggled mightily at the plate. In four games, he has posted a 1-for-9 batting line, which includes just one hit, two walks, and four strikeouts. His struggles in generating offense could be attributed to the significant difference in pitching quality between the KBO and Major League Baseball. While Kim’s bat was effective in Korea, with a career .294 average and .372 on-base percentage, he now faces pitchers with far superior velocity, movement, and command. The transition, particularly in terms of making contact against top-tier MLB pitchers, is a familiar hurdle for many international players, and Kim is experiencing the same growing pains.

Defensively, Kim has shown flashes of his skill but has also committed errors. He has had two errors in spring training games, both at shortstop, a position he played with excellence in Korea. While his overall defense is still considered his strong suit, these missteps are concerning, especially considering that the Dodgers already have solid infielders like Gavin Lux and the Gold Glove-winning Tommy Edman, who have shown greater consistency during the early stages of camp.

Kim’s Defensive Versatility

Kim’s ability to play multiple positions is one of the reasons the Dodgers were interested in him. Beyond shortstop, Kim has also been working out at second base and center field. This flexibility is valuable, especially as a backup or utility player, which is what the Dodgers might envision him as during the 2025 season. However, it’s important to note that despite his versatility, the competition for a roster spot has intensified. With Tommy Edman working primarily at second base and the team looking to solidify the center-field situation, Kim’s defensive reliability at these positions will need to improve to earn a spot.

The Dodgers’ Depth and Player Competition

The Dodgers’ infield and outfield are crowded with talented players, all of whom are competing for limited roster spots. The team already has established veterans like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy. But the middle infield, where Kim was expected to contribute, is particularly competitive.

Tommy Edman, the Dodgers’ off-season acquisition from the St. Louis Cardinals, has been getting a significant amount of playing time at second base during spring training. Edman is a former Gold Glove winner, and his defense is one of the best in the league. His ability to play second base as well as shortstop makes him a valuable piece for the Dodgers, and his offensive potential, though not elite, adds to his versatility. As a result, Kim’s ability to unseat Edman or even share time with him at second base seems unlikely unless Kim significantly improves his performance over the coming weeks.

In the outfield, the Dodgers are also evaluating multiple options for the center-field spot. Players like James Outman and Andy Pages are competing for that position, which may further limit Kim’s chances of earning a regular spot on the 26-man roster.

The Role of Manager Dave Roberts

Manager Dave Roberts has been transparent about the team’s evaluation of Kim, acknowledging the challenges he faces in adjusting to the major leagues. Roberts emphasized that Kim’s swing is something the team is actively working to refine. The adjustment from KBO pitching to MLB arms is never easy, and while spring training results are often viewed with a grain of salt, the Dodgers are carefully monitoring Kim’s progress.

Roberts also made it clear that decisions regarding roster spots would be based on multiple factors, including performance in spring training games, the team’s depth chart, and how players are fitting into the overall roster composition. While Roberts did not rule out Kim’s chances of making the major league roster, he noted that the competition for spots was fierce, and some players may need more time in the minors to develop their skills.

No Clause to Reject Minors Assignment

One of the key factors in the Dodgers’ decision-making process is Kim’s contract, which does not include a clause allowing him to reject an assignment to the minors. This aspect of his deal provides the team with significant flexibility, as they are free to send him to the minor leagues without his consent. If Kim’s performance continues to fall short in the coming weeks, the Dodgers can opt to give him more seasoning in the minors, where he can work on improving his bat and adapting to the higher-level competition before being called up later in the season.

While Kim’s contract allows for the possibility of him being sent to the minors, there’s also the understanding that the Dodgers are committed to his development. Kim’s potential remains high, and he has the ability to contribute at the major league level, but whether that happens in 2025 or after a stint in the minors remains to be seen.

The Bigger Picture: Kim’s Potential in the MLB

Despite the current struggles, it’s important to remember that Kim Hye-seong still brings a lot to the table. His defense remains exceptional, and his experience playing in high-pressure games in the KBO should not be overlooked. Moreover, many players experience growing pains when transitioning from international leagues to MLB, and there is a history of successful adjustments for international players who initially struggle.

Kim’s ability to contribute as a utility player offers value, even if he’s not immediately thrust into an everyday role. As the Dodgers evaluate their roster over the next few weeks, they’ll consider not just his current performance but also his potential long-term contributions to the team.