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Dodgers' Dave Roberts Sends Long Message on Hyeseong Kim

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 8, 2025 11:50 AM ET

Hyeseong Kim has arrived.

After signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year, $12.5 million deal this offseason, the Korean star was stashed away in Triple-A Oklahoma City to start 2025.

However, Tommy Edman's and Teoscar Hernández's injuries have forced manager Dave Roberts to reconfigure his defensive alignment, paving the way for Kim’s Big League debut. After starting each of the last three games, he is making the most of the opportunity and could become a fixture in this lineup.

Here is what Roberts told reporters after the game:

Dave Roberts says Hyeseong Kim WILL play again tomorrow!

“I’ve been really impressed. I like the unconventional at-bats, the swings, the bat-on-ball, the speed. It’s something we really haven’t had. I like the level of focus. I like his energy. He’ll be in there tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/KkMUCrRr5X
— Hyeseong Kim Muse 김혜성 (@HyeseongKimMuse) May 8, 2025

Kim’s savvy approach and bat-to-ball skills have already translated as he has five hits over 12 at-bats, including two multi-hit performances against the Miami Marlins. Kim has also scored one run in each of his starts.

It is still far too small a sample size to make any definitive decisions, but Kim’s .833 OPS and 140 OPS+ are encouraging.

Perhaps the most valuable element of Kim’s game is his defensive versatility. He has started two games at second base, one in center field, and seen reserve time as a shortstop. If he can continue to produce at the plate and provide Roberts with a Swiss Army Knife in the field, he may need to stay in the lineup even when the team is fully healthy.

Kim’s most likely path to playing time will be in a platoon role. The left-handed hitter pairs nicely with righty utility men Kiké Hernández and Chris Taylor. The Dodgers could also opt to send Kim back down to the minors once Edman and Teoscar return and ensure him regular at-bats.

Kim’s progress at the Major League level over the next week will be an interesting development to monitor.

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

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