Aug 5, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team South Korea infielder Hyeseong Kim (3) hits a single in the third inning against USA in a baseball semifinal match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers Reportedly Sign Korean Infielder Hye-Seong Kim to Multi-Year Deal

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 2:57 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a multi-year deal with Korean infielder Hye-Seong Kim, ESPN's Daniel Kim reported Friday.

Per Kim, the contract is a three-year deal with options for an additional two seasons, giving the Dodgers control of the four-time Gold Glove winner through 2029.

Kim had until 5 p.m. ET on Friday to sign with an MLB team before his 45-day negotiating window ended. Had he reached that point without a contract, Kim would have been removed from free agency and sent back to the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization.

Several media outlets in Korea are now reporting that #Dodgers have agreed to a 3-yr deal w/ Hye-seong Kim w/ option for an additional 2 years. #MLB #KBO pic.twitter.com/SLPieGZKPM
— Daniel Kim 대니얼 김 (@DanielKimW) January 3, 2025

The soon-to-be 26-year-old has experience at both second base and shortstop. He is coming off a season in which he hit .326 with 11 home runs, 75 RBI, 30 stolen bases, an .841 OPS in 127 games.

Kim is a .304 career hitter in the KBO who has averaged six home runs, 25 doubles, six triples, 66 RBI and 36 stolen bases per 162 games.

The Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were among the other teams linked to Kim. However, the Blue Jays seemingly held off on offering Kim a contract after trading for Andrés Giménez in December.

Instead of joining any of those teams, Kim will suit up for the Dodgers in 2025.

There were already plenty of question marks in Los Angeles' infield, especially with Mookie Betts moving back to shortstop and trade deadline acquisition Tommy Edman getting re-signed long-term. Miguel Rojas had his club option picked up, Gavin Lux is looking to build on a relatively healthy season and veteran utility man Chris Taylor remains in the mix as well.

The value of Kim's contract has yet to be revealed, but those details could help paint a picture of how the Dodgers plan on using him moving forward.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: