Dodgers make major announcements on pair of prized prospects

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Dodgers make major announcements regarding pair of prized prospects

By David Hill | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 8:41 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a pair of announcements regarding two of their prized prospects.

Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that phenom Roki Sasaki will start the second game of the Tokyo Series on March 19. However, the news was not as pleasant for another prized international prospect. David Vessagh from AM 570 L.A. Sports reported that infielder Hyeseong Kim will begin the 2025 season in Triple-A.

Neither decision comes as much of a surprise. Sasaki has lived up to the hype thus far in spring training, allowing three hits and three walks over seven shutout innings, striking out seven batters. He has baffled opponents with his splitter, leaving to awkward swings as the bottom drops out of the pitch.

Roki Sasaki was looking nice today.

4 IP
1 H
0 R
2 BB
2 K

His #SpringTraining ERA remains at 0.00 pic.twitter.com/0jrLETeFQB
— MLB (@MLB) March 11, 2025

Kim, meanwhile, has been a work in progress. He had been known for his excellent speed and defense and ability to make contact during his time in the Korean Baseball Organization. However, the Dodgers completely revamped his swing when he signed, emphasizing his ability to make contact while attempting to generate more power.

The early results have not been what anyone would have hoped for. Kim had just five hits in his 30 plate appearances entering Tuesday, striking out 10 times with four walks. Although one of his hits was a home run, the new swing has not led to increased production.

By sending Kim to Triple-A, he will be able to fine-tune his swing without any pressure. Likewise, he will have a chance to adjust to a higher level of competition than what exists in the KBO. Kim might be in Triple-A to begin the 2025 season, but he could be set up for success going forward.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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