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Dodgers New Acquisition Providing Defensive Versatility in Triple-A

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 4:00 PM ET

While marquee free-agent signings like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki have deservedly earned much of the attention from Los Angeles Dodgers fans, there is another new face that is quietly off to an excellent start in Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Hyeseong Kim was brought in on a three-year, $12.5 million contract this offseason, with team options in 2028 and 2029. Through nine games, he is batting .308 with an .874 OPS, nine RBIs, and four stolen bases on four attempts.

The most valuable part of Kim’s game, however, may be on the defensive side of the ball. He was brought into Los Angeles to fill whichever hole was needed in the infield, but he has played three games in center field for Oklahoma City.

Andy Pages has been the primary eight so far but has struggled at the plate with a .162 batting average, a .581 OPS, and a 70 OPS+. With other utility men like Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández more than capable of playing up the middle and in the outfield, center may be Kim’s most viable path to playing time in the majors.

He is probably better off getting consistent at-bats in the minors, especially with veterans Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor already occupying bench spots and providing defensive versatility. But, should Pages continue to struggle, Kim could be next in line for reps.

Even on a cheaper contract, it does not make sense to hoard him in Triple-A all season. The former Korea Baseball Organization star is too talented and too multifaceted not to get run for the Dodgers this summer.

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

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