Hyeseong Kim (Image Credits: Imagn)

Why Did the Los Angeles Dodgers Demote Hyeseong Kim?

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 8:09 AM ET

Hyeseong Kim enjoyed a decent first season after signing a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year. Despite a slow start in spring training, Kim eventually grew into a productive role player off the bench for the World Series champions. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old Korean had a battle to keep his spot on the Dodgers’ roster for Opening Day.

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced Hyeseong Kim will start the 2026 campaign in the minor leagues, just as he did last year. As per Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Dodgers did not make the decision based on his performance in spring training. They want Hyeseong Kim to continue working on his retooled swing before they call him up to the MLB roster.

“The decision to go with Freeland over Kim came down to quality of ABs, rather than stat-based production, Dave Roberts said. Dodgers hope with every day ABs in OKC, Hyeseong Kim can continue working on the swing/mechanical changes needed for success at the major-league level,” Woo stated on X.

The decision to go with Freeland over Kim came down to quality of ABs, rather than stat-based production, Dave Roberts said. Dodgers hope with every day ABs in OKC, Kim can continue working on the swing/mechanical changes needed for success at the major-league level. https://t.co/O7pViFOINS
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) March 22, 2026

Hyeseong Kim will join the Triple-A Oklahoma City, but there may be a quick route back to Los Angeles. This year, he has been working to reduce movement in his lower body to improve the trajectory of his swing. The Dodgers feel the changes will generate more contact, helping them take greater advantage of his speed on the basepaths.

Dodgers Choose Alex Freeland Over Hyeseong Kim In Opening Day Roster

According to MLB insider Katie Woo, the Los Angeles Dodgers will have Alex Freeland as their starting second baseman against right-handed pitching. 2025 World Series hero Miguel Rojas will be the platoon option against lefties.

Alex Freeland (Image Credits: Imagn)

“Expect the Dodgers to deploy a traditional platoon at second base. Freeland vs. righties, Rojas vs. lefties,” Woo posted via X.

The Dodgers had an opening at second base, with Tommy Edman starting the season on the IL. Meanwhile, Santiago Espinal became a surprise inclusion for the Dodgers after impressing at spring training upon joining the team on a minor league deal just before camp. With defensive versatility across the infield, he took a roster spot away from Hyeseong Kim.

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

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