LOS ANGELES — The New Year has brought more good news for the defending champions. As the posting window was about to close, Hyeseong Kim and the Dodgers agreed to a three-year deal worth $12.5 million guaranteed.
The contract also includes a two-year option for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, which could increase the total value to $22 million.
In his final year with the Kiwoom Heroes, Kim batted .326/.383/.458, hitting 11 home runs and stealing 30 bases.
Kim, 25, is known for his impressive skills on the baseball field, particularly with his glove. He has won four consecutive KBO Golden Glove Awards, securing three of them while playing second base and his first while playing shortstop. While the Dodgers have announced that Mookie Betts will start the 2025 season at shortstop, they have not clearly stated whether Gavin Lux will be the everyday second baseman.
The Dodgers have been supportive of Lux despite his injuries, which is why he will be given the opportunity to show more consistency with the bat and glove at the age of 27.
Kim has demonstrated impressive speed on the field, stealing 46 bases in 2021 alone. Over his eight seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes, he has maintained a batting average of .304 and generated a .364 on-base percentage. Kim has stolen at least 20 bases in each of the last seven seasons.
The Dodgers now face important decisions following the signing of Kim. Infield options will not be an issue for the Dodgers next season, as they have Betts, Gavin Lux, Miguel Rojas, and Chris Taylor available. Tommy Edman is expected to primarily play in the outfield. Additionally, it seems unlikely that the Dodgers will re-sign Kiké Hernández.
In order to finalize Kim's signing, the team needs to clear one spot on the 40-man roster. Taylor, who is 34 years old, did not have a strong season during his ninth year with the Dodgers. He finished the year with a batting average of .202, hitting four home runs and recording 23 runs batted in.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been supportive of Taylor this season, emphasizing his importance to the team. However, with limited roster spots available, Roberts needs to make adjustments.