The Dodgers Secure Another Valuable Resource with Korean Utilitarian Player Hyeseong Kim
When Hyeseong Kim outperformed the Los Angeles Dodgers during an exhibition match in Korea last spring, their management took notice. Brandon Gomes, the team's general manager, expressed his admiration, saying, "It was astonishing to observe his agility during his performance against us." The Dodgers were familiar with Kim prior to their journey to the Far East, but his live demonstration confirmed their belief in his potential as a valuable asset for the club.
Having played for eight seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), two with the Nexen Heroes and six with the Kiwoom Heroes, Kim was posted to MLB in December. He had until 5pm last Friday to secure a contract with a major league club or risk returning to Korea. The Dodgers managed to close the deal just in time.
Multiple sources claim that Kim's contract with Los Angeles spans three years, guaranteeing him $12.5 million. There's also a two-year club option for 2028 and 2029, which could potentially boost the deal's value to $22 million. There's conflicting information suggesting that the Los Angeles Angels offered Kim a five-year, $28 million deal, but Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register has disputed this claim.
Regardless of the teams competing for Kim's services, he ultimately opted for the Dodgers. Los Angeles will also be responsible for paying Kiwoom a $2.5 million posting fee, which is 20% of the guaranteed amount. Sportsnet has broken down the deal's terms as follows: a $1 million signing bonus, $2.5 million in 2025, $3.75 million in 2026 and 2027, and a two-year option at $5 million per season, which converts to a $1.5 million buy-out if the club declines the option. Kim can also earn an additional $500,000 in each of 2028 and 2029 if he achieves 500 plate appearances.
In the KBO's 2021 season, Kim recorded a .326 batting average with a .383 on-base percentage, a .458 slugging percentage, eleven home runs, and thirty stolen bases. The 26-year-old versatile player has won four KBO Golden Glove Awards, most recently at second base in 2021 and 2019, and at shortstop in 2022 and 2023. He also played forty-four games in left field for Kiwoom in 2020. Kim's signing with the Dodgers positions him to significantly impact Chris Taylor's playing time, as he can cover all of Taylor's positions with what appears to be a superior glove and bat. Taylor fell short last season, with a .250 batting average, a .329 on-base percentage, a .423 slugging percentage, a 73 OPS+, and a negative 0.1 bWAR. With Kim set to provide a notable improvement, it's fair to say that the younger player will surpass Taylor's performance.
The acquisition of Kim seems to indicate that a Kiké Hernández reunion with the team may not be in the cards. A popular favorite known for delivering in the post-season, Hernández may need to seek out another team before spring training commences. However, there have been recent rumors suggesting that the Dodgers might swap pitcher Tony Gonsolin and Taylor with St. Louis in exchange for Los Angeles-native Nolan Arenado. If this scenario unfolds, Hernández may secure a place on the Dodgers' roster. It's worth noting that the 2023 off-season is far from over, and the Dodgers may have more moves up their sleeve to strengthen a club that won 98 games last season, including the decisive game in the Bronx to clinch the World Series title.
Brandon Gomes was impressed by Hyenseong Kim's performance during the exhibition match in Korea, which led to the Dodgers showing interest in the KBO player. Kike Hernandez, a popular favorite known for delivering in the post-season, may need to seek out another team due to the acquisition of Kim, who is expected to significantly impact Chris Taylor's playing time with his superior glove and bat.
