The Los Angeles Dodgers have never shied away from signing international players from leagues around the world. This offseason, they signed Rōki Sasaki, but perhaps a move fans forget is their three-year, $12.5 million deal with Hyeseong Kim from the Korean Baseball Organization.
Kim was a .304 hitter in Korea for the Kiwoom Heroes. However, in spring training, he hit just .207 for the Dodgers. The Dodgers optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and he seems to be figuring things out at the plate. In 27 games, he is slashing .257/.323/.478. He has five home runs and 19 RBIs. He has also stolen 13 bases. He is giving the team a reason to find him a role in the big leagues.
In Triple-A, he has made seven starts at second base, 11 starts at shortstop, and nine starts in center field. Andy Pages has been the Dodgers’ primary center fielder and is hitting .292. However, Michael Conforto, the team’s primary left fielder, has a .156 batting average. While Kim has not played left field in Triple-A, he has made 32 starts there in Korea. The Dodgers could find him a spot on their big league team that way.
Another option for the Dodgers is to plug Kim in at second base, his natural position. He made 596 starts there while in the KBO. The Dodgers’ current second baseman, Tommy Edman, is not struggling. However, Edman is a utility man and could replace Max Muncy at third base. Muncy is hitting below .200. Edman has made 94 appearances at third base in his career. Moving him there to get Kim on the roster could be a move the team explores.
Regardless of where he plays, the Dodgers will not be able to justify keeping him in Triple-A much longer.
