Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim is set to become a free agent after this season alongside his teammates Rojas, Taylor, and third baseman Max Muncy. Kim’s versatility provides the team with options should Betts need to move from shortstop due to performance or injuries. Kim recently signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with a club option for two additional years and $9.5 million more.
The deadline for Kim’s posting period was Friday, marking the end of negotiations as he joins the reigning World Series champions in a city boasting the largest Korean population in the major leagues. The Dodgers have been proactive in solidifying their roster, securing left-handed pitcher Blake Snell on a lucrative $182 million deal and re-signing outfielder Teoscar Hernández.
Kim, who has spent the past six seasons with Kiwoom in the KBO, boasts a lifetime batting average of .304. The 24-year-old slugger achieved a career-high 11 home runs in the previous season, surpassing his earlier best of seven. With an impressive on-base performance over the last four seasons, Kim’s batting average has ranged from .304 to .335 with an OBP between .372 and .396.
While Kim’s power-hitting potential in the majors remains uncertain, the Dodgers’ existing depth in that aspect suggests that Los Angeles might be the perfect fit for him.
For more timely news coverage and features, readers can rely on the USA TODAY app for comprehensive reporting, including crosswords, audio storytelling, and the eNewspaper.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY and covers the Dodgers’ acquisition of Hyeseong Kim, the Korean free agent making his mark in MLB, as reported by various sources.
