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Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Hyeseong Kim has made a remarkable start in MLB, performing at a higher level than anyone could have reasonably anticipated.
Kim chose the Dodgers as his offseason destination after being courted by other teams, trusting that the organization would manage his development stateside carefully and optimally.
After playing baseball in South Korea his entire life, Kim began his American baseball career in the minor leagues, acclimating to the schedule and the pitching while adjusting his mechanics to better fit the requirements of modern pitching.
Hyeseong Kim has reached base in 9 consecutive plate appearances. #RivalryWeekend pic.twitter.com/AbCxpJ1ExH
— MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2025
Injuries to Teoscar Hernandez and Tommy Edman prompted Kim's earlier call-up to the roster, with many expecting it to be a temporary move.
While that may still be the case, Kim has made the organization's decision much harder given how well he has played.
“I’m just going to play baseball. When I’m on the field I’m just going to play my baseball, try to get on base,” Kim told Kevin Baxter of the LA Times through an interpreter.
“It’s hard to speculate, hard to predict what’s going to happen in the future.
“It’s been fun. It’s not an easy opportunity to have, so I’m really having fun right now.”
The Dodgers assigned Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City to start the season, where he recorded a batting average of .252, an on-base percentage of .328, and a slugging percentage of .470, along with five home runs and 19 RBIs.
His production was unremarkable, emphasizing the adjustments he needed to make to reach the majors, particularly on a talented team like the Dodgers.
All Shohei Ohtani has to do is walk by and Hyeseong Kim will bow to him pic.twitter.com/TVfaEbu9eo
— Hyeseong Kim Muse 김혜성 (@HyeseongKimMuse) May 16, 2025
Kim has a WAR of 0.5 in 13 games, slashing an impressive .452/.485/.468 with a home run and five RBIs.
He can provide value on the base paths as well, stealing three bases in as many tries so far. Most impressive, his wRC+ is at 203, ranking extremely high through this small stint.
There is likely some regression coming Kim's way, considering how unsustainable his averages are and that underlying metrics indicate some luck has played a part in his hot start; his expected weighted on-base average is considerably below his actual figure.
Given the Dodgers' loaded roster, it is quite possible that Kim is sent back down. However, with the newfound confidence that he can cut it in the big leagues, he should really impress in Triple-A.
Update: https://t.co/iIWQ2ms7ts pic.twitter.com/AtSRKDoyVx
— Hyeseong Kim Muse 김혜성 (@HyeseongKimMuse) May 16, 2025
The Dodgers can afford to be patient with Kim, giving him time to adjust and not needing him to be an instant contributor.
However, now that he has demonstrated this capability, it might be difficult to halt his momentum and may force the team's hand to keep him in the big leagues.
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TODAY'S BEST
Diamondbacks Pitcher Elects Free Agency
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Jacksonville Jaguars Announce Unfortunate Decision After Win Against Chiefs
The Jacksonville Jaguars ended their 16-year losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night after a thrilling 31-28 victory at EverBank Stadium. Trevor Lawrence turned in another strong performance to help lead the Jaguars to victory with 18-of-25 completed passes for 221 yards and one touchdown. It wasn’t all good news for the Jaguars, though, who improved to 4-1 after taking down Patrick Mahomes and the mighty Chiefs. They lost starting tight end Brenton Strange in the first half after the former Penn State Nittany Lions star suffered a hip injury. Strange was unable to return to the game, and tests have determined a significant quad issue for the 24-year-old. The Jaguars took to social media on Tuesday to announce that Strange has been placed on injured reserve (IR), which means he will be forced to miss at least four games due to his hip problem. “The Jacksonville Jaguars have made the following roster moves: Placed TE Brenton Strange on injured reserve Signed WR Tim Jones to the practice squad Released WR Erik Ezukanma from the practice squad,” JaguarsPR posted on X. In five games played this season, Strange has already registered a team-high 20 catches for 204 yards. He hasn’t scored a touchdown yet, but is currently on pace to set career-high receiving marks. This injury is a tough blow amid his strong start, and the hope is that Strange will be able to pick up where he left off once he’s healthy enough to return. The silver lining for the Jaguars here is that Strange has reportedly avoided a season-ending injury, and the team expects him to be back in around a month. For now, Jacksonville will need to turn to the likes of Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long to fill the void at tight end. The Jaguars also announced on Tuesday that they’ve brought in WR Tim Jones to the practice squad, while Erik Ezukanma has been released. It remains to be seen if Jones will be able to do enough to earn a spot on the active roster. Jacksonville’s next game is on Sunday as they take on the 3-2 Seattle Seahawks in a home game at EverBank Stadium for Week 6.
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