Kim Hye-seong hits a double during an evaluation game with the Dodgers in March last year
The general manager of the Major League Baseball (MLB) Los Angeles Dodgers, who recruited Kim Hye-seong (26), gave high praise to Kim Ha-seong’s defense and base running abilities.
Regarding the batting, which was considered a bit disappointing, I had a positive outlook, recalling the Seoul Series in March of last year.
The Dodgers officially announced the contract with Hye-Sung Kim on the 4th (Korean time). The terms are 3+2 years, up to $22 million (approximately 32.384 billion won), and the guaranteed amount is $12.5 million for 3 years.
After announcing the contract, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said in an interview with local media, “Kim Hye-seong showed dynamic athletic ability and explosive power in an evaluation game held ahead of last year’s Seoul Series. “I’m happy to recruit a versatile player,” he said.
The Dodgers played the opening two games of the 2024 season against the San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome in March last year. Prior to this, we had an evaluation match with the Korean national team players to adjust our sense of real-life performance.
At that time, Kim Hye-seong was part of the national team ‘Team Korea’ and played against the Dodgers.
Hye-seong Kim started as the first batter and second baseman in the evaluation game against the Dodgers on March 18th and recorded 1 hit and 1 run in 3 at-bats.
He showed off a strong long hit. With no outs on first base in the third inning, he pulled Dodgers starting pitcher Bobby Miller’s 97.3 mph (approximately 156.6 km) fast ball and hit a double that hit the right field fence.
At the time, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented, “Among Korean fielders, it was interesting to see a second baseman.”
After announcing the hiring of Kim Hye-seong on this day, the Dodgers also posted a photo of Kim Hye-seong hitting a double during an evaluation game on their official social network service (SNS) account.
At the time of the evaluation match, Kim Hye-seong had already announced her intention to advance to MLB. Kim Hye-seong, who played as a top infielder in the KBO League, formalized her intention to enter the MLB by receiving permission to post to her original team, Kiwoom Heroes, after completing the 2023 season.
Kim Hye-seong played a total of 953 games over 8 seasons, leaving behind a batting average of 0.304, 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs, and 211 stolen bases.
Quite a few MLB teams showed interest in Kim Hye-seong, who has excellent contact skills, quick feet, and defensive abilities.
The Dodgers, who watched Kim Hye-sung’s performance in person in March of last year, also watched him closely.
General Manager Gomes praised Kim Hye-sung’s base running ability, saying, “He is a ‘double plus runner.’” Also, “Kim Hye-seong plays good defense in several positions. “There is a positive side to hitting as well,” he emphasized.
While Kim Hye-seong is expected to play a utility role between second base and shortstop, Gomes general manager said, “We have recruited a talented player, and we will see how things go.”
The Dodgers planned to use Mookie Betts as a shortstop and Gavin Lux as a second baseman this year. Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor are considered utility resources, and another infielder, Tommy Edman, is expected to often play center field this year.
Hye-Sung Kim is expected to secure a spot in the big league only if she proves her usefulness as a backup infielder through spring camp.
ESPN, an American sports media outlet, rated Kim Hye-sung’s contract with the Dodgers at B+.
ESPN said, “Considering Kim Hye-sung’s various abilities, there are almost no downsides to this contract. “We recruited resources that could be a plus factor without spending a lot of money,” he explained.
Introducing Kim Hye-sung’s contract with the Dodgers, ESPN emphasized, “The player the Dodgers recruited this time is a completely different player from Kim Ha-seong, who played in San Diego and entered the free agent market.”
However, I made the mistake of using Oh Ji-hwan (LG Twins)’s photo in an article about Kim Hye-sung.
[서울=뉴시스]