Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dave Roberts Sends Message on Hyeseong Kim’s Future With Dodgers After Big Night

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 15, 2025 11:26 AM ET

Hyeseong Kim wasn’t supposed to be in the spotlight this early—but the 25-year-old rookie is making it impossible to ignore him. Signed by the Dodgers on a three-year, $12.5 million deal this offseason, Kim started the year in Triple-A before injuries to Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández opened the door for his call-up.

Since then, Kim has delivered in a big way. He’s hitting .360 over 11 MLB games, including his first career home run—a game-tying blast to right-center on Wednesday night. Add in his versatility across the outfield and infield, and Kim is quietly becoming one of the Dodgers’ most valuable short-term assets.

But with stars returning soon, his status is suddenly uncertain

Teoscar Hernández is close to reclaiming his everyday outfield spot, and Tommy Edman is expected to return to second base. That creates a roster squeeze—and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed it directly after Wednesday’s game.

“I think that we wanted to get him here to cut his teeth, get his feet wet and see what the big leagues are about, get familiar,” Roberts said. “Once Tommy and Teo come back, there are some decisions to be made. But performance, and how he’s playing, certainly helps his case.”

Hyeseong Kim shows off the POP

His first career home run ties the game! pic.twitter.com/asC2DoZRol
— MLB (@MLB) May 15, 2025

Kim could ultimately bump a struggling veteran like Michael Conforto, who’s hitting just .175, or offer more upside than Chris Taylor or Miguel Rojas in a utility role.

Whether he sticks or not, Dave Roberts’ quote made one thing clear: Kim is being taken seriously—and his play is starting to demand it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: