Dodgers' Offseason Addition Becoming Key Part of Success

The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million deal, which seems low, especially with how the Dodgers spend money. However, there was uncertainty about how much Kim's success in the KBO would translate over to the Major Leagues.

Kim struggled to get going in spring training and started the season in Triple-A. The defensive utility player held his own hitting .252 with a near .800 OPS while playing three different positions in centerfield, shortstop, and second base.

Just three days into May, Kim got the call-up to the majors. He got the opportunity to play nearly every day throughout May and crushed it in the batter's box.

At the end of May, Kim was hitting .422 with an OPS over 1.000, and a 201 wRC+ across 48 plate appearances.

Kim has seen slightly less playing time through June as Los Angeles becomes healthier, and his numbers have dropped slightly. However, he's still hitting .372 with a .940 OPS, and with his defensive prowess, he's an asset for the Dodgers.

Kim's incredible start to his rookie season has Just Baseball's Ryan Murphy considering him a key cog for the Dodgers in 2025, even if his name isn't the headline you see each night.

Whether Kim can keep this rampant start-up or not is yet to be seen, though. Based on his predicted stats, there could be a decline. Kim's expected metrics show a batting average of .273 and a wOBA of .326, a considerable amount of points lower than his current stats.

However, even at those numbers, the rookie would be more than producing as a platoon defensive specialist near the bottom of the lineup.

Dave Roberts recently said that Kim is "earning the opportunity to get somewhat of a consistent look" (h/t dodgersnation.com).

Fans may not see Kim in the lineup every day, but when he's had the opportunity, he's produced for the Dodgers. Kim has quietly been a very important piece for the top team in the National League.