Kim Comes to LA! Dodgers Ink Hyeseong Kim to 3-Year Contract, Bolstering Infield Depth
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million contract that includes a two-year team option for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.
If the Dodgers exercise their options, which must be picked up together, Kim’s contract reportedly would reach $22 million in total value. MLB Trade Rumors projected Kim would receive a three-year, $24 million contract.
Kim joins the Dodgers after spending the last eight seasons in the Korean Baseball League. He played six of those with the Kiwoom Heroes, and among other accolades won three KBO Fielding Awards from 2021-2023 while playing four different positions.
Kim’s primary position would appear to be second base, which suggests the Dodgers have a logjam of infielders. However, that’s not of concern for general manager Brandon Gomes.
“I think it’s more of adding a really talented player and kind of seeing where things play out,” Gomes said of signing Kim.
The Dodgers’ plan remains to have Mookie Betts starting at shortstop and Gavin Lux playing second base. Kim projects to fill a utility role off the bench.
Kim was posted in early December and faced a 2 p.m. PT deadline on Friday to sign with an MLB team. Had a deal not come to fruition, Kim would’ve returned to KBO for another season before reaching free agency again.
Diego Cartaya was designated for assignment in order to make room for Kim on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
Hyeseong Kim interest
The Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs are also believed to have made contract offers to Kim.
He reportedly turned down a more lucrative offer in order to sign with the Dodgers, and received advice from Shoei Ohtani during his free agency process.
