Hyeseong Kim’s Challenge: Adapting His Swing in Time to Make the Dodgers’ Roster

Hyeseong Kim, a promising young player with a reputation for his strong defensive skills and contact hitting, has quickly become one of the most intriguing prospects in Major League Baseball (MLB) after signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, his challenge remains clear: adapting his swing in time to earn a spot on the Dodgers’ roster.

Kim, who hails from South Korea, brings with him a wealth of talent that made him one of the top prospects in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). His natural ability to hit for contact and his versatility on defense made him an exciting addition to the Dodgers organization, a team known for its player development and deep roster. But as spring training rolls around, Kim faces a unique challenge: transforming his swing to meet the demands of MLB pitching.

Background: Hyeseong Kim’s Journey to MLB

Kim’s journey to MLB has been a fascinating one, rooted in years of success in South Korea. Born on January 22, 1999, in Incheon, South Korea, Kim’s baseball journey started at a young age. His rise to prominence began when he debuted for the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes in 2018. Over his first few seasons in the KBO, Kim established himself as one of the top infielders in the league. Known for his solid glove work, baseball IQ, and ability to make consistent contact at the plate, Kim quickly became a staple of the Heroes’ lineup.

In 2022, he had his most impressive season, hitting .314 with an on-base percentage of .397 and a slugging percentage of .477. Kim’s defense at shortstop was equally noteworthy, and he displayed an impressive range and ability to turn double plays. His performances earned him attention from MLB scouts, who saw his potential to adapt his skills for the big leagues.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, known for their forward-thinking approach to player development, took a keen interest in Kim. His defensive prowess and ability to consistently make contact at the plate fit well with the Dodgers’ philosophy of finding versatile, high-ceiling players. They signed Kim to a contract in hopes that his skill set would translate to MLB competition.

While the transition from the KBO to MLB is often difficult for foreign players, Kim’s natural abilities suggested that he could become a key contributor for the Dodgers. However, one of the most significant obstacles to his success lies in one of the most fundamental aspects of the game: his swing.

The Swing Adjustment: A Critical Piece of the Puzzle

Adapting to the highest level of baseball competition requires an ability to adjust not just to the faster velocity of pitchers but also to the different style of pitching, the approach of pitchers, and the mental toughness required to face top-tier talent every day. MLB pitchers, known for their command of multiple pitches, breakouts, and varying speed, will test Kim’s swing and approach in a way that KBO pitchers did not.

Kim’s swing, which is tailored to his success in the KBO, has its strengths. He’s shown an ability to make consistent contact, producing solid line drives and gap-to-gap hits. However, his swing mechanics have come under scrutiny as he enters the world of MLB, where the level of competition is elevated. He’ll need to make adjustments to increase his power numbers and better handle pitchers who can throw with more velocity and break.

In particular, a critical part of his challenge will be improving his ability to drive the ball with authority against high-velocity fastballs and off-speed pitches. Many KBO hitters struggle when they first make the jump to MLB because the pitching is more sophisticated, and pitchers can exploit holes in a batter’s swing. Kim has shown the ability to adjust over time, but adapting his swing mechanics to both generate more power and handle a wider variety of pitches will be crucial for his success.

His swing mechanics will need to evolve with the help of the Dodgers’ coaching staff. Los Angeles has a strong track record of developing hitters, particularly with the use of data and technology to pinpoint swing flaws. For example, the Dodgers have worked with players like Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger to fine-tune their swings. If Kim can make the adjustments to improve his pull-side power while maintaining his ability to hit to all fields, his potential as an offensive weapon will be greatly enhanced.

The Mental Approach: Patience and Focus

Beyond the physical adjustments to his swing, Kim’s mental approach to the game will be equally important. Transitioning from the KBO to MLB requires not just adjusting physically but mentally as well. The grind of a 162-game season, facing elite pitchers day in and day out, demands incredible mental resilience.

One of Kim’s strongest attributes has always been his calm and collected demeanor on the field. His consistency and patience have helped him avoid slumps in the KBO, and his ability to stay focused will be key as he transitions to MLB pitching. He will need to find ways to handle the increased pressure of performing at the highest level, staying disciplined and not letting any struggles derail his season.

Kim also must work on improving his ability to handle breaking balls and off-speed pitches, which are often a struggle for many hitters making the jump from the KBO. MLB pitchers use a mix of sliders, curveballs, and changeups to keep hitters off balance, and learning how to recognize these pitches early in their flight path will be vital. Kim will need to maintain his approach and continue to improve his pitch recognition in order to make adjustments on the fly.

The Dodgers will likely be patient with Kim, giving him ample opportunity to adjust during Spring Training and early in the regular season. However, the competition for a spot on the Dodgers’ roster will be fierce, with several other talented players vying for positions. Kim’s ability to make quick adjustments, both physically and mentally, will determine whether or not he earns a spot on the roster.

The Dodgers’ Roster Situation and Kim’s Role

Kim’s primary position is shortstop, but he also has the ability to play second base and third base, making him a versatile piece for the Dodgers. While the Dodgers already have talented infielders, including superstar shortstop Corey Seager, Kim’s ability to be a utility player who can play multiple positions could give him an edge when it comes to making the roster.

The Dodgers have made it clear that they value versatility in their players, and Kim’s defensive prowess will likely earn him opportunities on the field, even if he isn’t an everyday starter. His speed on the base paths also adds another element to his game, providing the Dodgers with additional lineup flexibility. Whether it’s filling in as a pinch hitter or serving as a defensive replacement late in games, Kim’s versatility and ability to contribute in various ways could make him a valuable asset for the Dodgers in 2025.

However, the Dodgers are also a team with high expectations. With a talented roster and championship aspirations, they need to find a way to balance their developmental goals with the need for immediate success. This puts additional pressure on Kim, as he must prove that he can contribute at the major league level right away. If he can adapt his swing and prove himself as both a reliable defender and an offensive threat, he could quickly become a regular fixture in the Dodgers’ lineup.

The Road Ahead: Making an Impact in 2025

As Spring Training begins, Hyeseong Kim faces a crucial period in his development as a baseball player. His ability to adapt his swing and continue growing as a player will be central to his success in making the Dodgers’ roster. Whether he becomes a consistent starting shortstop or a key bench piece, Kim has the potential to provide immense value to a team in need of both depth and versatility.

For Dodgers fans, the 2025 season will be filled with anticipation as Kim works to adjust his swing and make his mark on the roster. If he can find success, it will be another example of how the Dodgers’ player development system continues to thrive, bringing in talent from all over the world and shaping them into major league contributors.

In the end, Hyeseong Kim’s challenge is not just about adjusting his swing; it’s about proving that he can perform under the spotlight of MLB competition. With his talent, work ethic, and determination, there’s no doubt that Kim will give everything he has to make the Dodgers’ roster and carve out a successful career in the major leagues.