The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly in agreement with second baseman Hye-seong Kim of the KBO on a three-year contract. Several Korean media outlets first reported it before being confirmed by Daniel Kim. The New York Post‘s Jon Heyman was the first to report the deal’s specifics: $12.5 million guaranteed with a chance to make up to $22 million. The deal came just hours before Kim’s posting window closed which would have sent him back to the KBO for another year.
Kim, 25, played eight seasons in the KBO. His last six seasons were spent with the Kiwoom Heroes. Last season, Kim produced a .326 BA and 30 SB in 127 games. It was the first season of his career that he didn’t improve his batting average year-to-year (Kim hit .335 in ’23). However, he posted a new career-best in HR (11), RBI (75), and slugging percentage (.458).
While being a consistent contributor at the plate, defense is where Kim shines. He won his fourth consecutive KBO Gold Glove last season. His primary position is at second base, but he’s also played some shortstop, third base, and corner outfield.
Kim’s speed, contact skills, and defensive versatility make him a perfect fit for the Dodgers. Los Angeles has long-valued players who can get on base consistently and play multiple spots across the diamond. Expect Kim to move around multiple spots in the infield, and don’t be surprised to see him snag a few flyballs to give LA’s slugging outfielders a reprieve.
The Dodgers were never considered the favorite to sign Kim before the reveal. Multiple teams have been linked to Kim since he was posted last month. The Padres, Cubs, and Mariners all reportedly sent an offer to Kim according to a Korean media outlet that contacted a CAA official (the same agency representing Shohei Ohtani). The same official reported the Los Angeles Angels offered a deal worth up to $28 million over five years.
Kim now has a chance to make an instant impact for the defending champions. It will be intriguing to see what corresponding moves the Dodgers may make. Kim’s presence could make it easier for the Dodgers to move on from 27-year-old Gavin Lux who started 117 games at second base last year.
It’s been another strong offseason for the Dodgers. They added two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to the staff, extended NLCS MVP Tommy Edman, re-signed Blake Treinen and Teoscar Hernández, and inked Michael Conforto to a deal to go along with the Kim signing. They also remain suitors for prized pitcher Rōki Sasaki.
The rich keep getting richer.
