Hyeseong Kim has faced a challenging start with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he is making a significant impact when given the chance. After signing a three-year, $33 million deal, Kim began his career in Triple-A, surprising some fans. Since his debut on May 3, he has had limited opportunities with just 13 starts and 48 plate appearances.
However, Kim’s performances have been remarkable, highlighted by a stellar 4-for-4 outing against the New York Yankees on Saturday, where he also made impressive defensive plays. His success at the plate has pushed his batting average to an impressive .422 and an OPS of 1.058, contributing 0.4 fWAR in just that one game.
Following this standout performance in the Dodgers’ overwhelming 18-2 victory over the Yankees, manager Dave Roberts commended Kim’s infectious energy and enthusiasm on the field. “He’s just happy to be out there, happy to be helping the team, and guys feed off that energy,” Roberts noted.
As the Dodgers look to balance their roster with multiple players capable of covering center field and other positions, including Tommy Edman and Andy Pages, the question arises of how much playing time Kim will receive moving forward. While Roberts confirmed that Kim wouldn’t play the day after his impressive game, he hinted at more opportunities to come, stating, “He’ll be back in there on Monday.”
While it’s a tough situation for Kim, his consistent performance points towards a brighter future. As he continues to excel, it seems likely that he will secure more regular playing time soon, especially after successfully hitting a home run off a left-handed pitcher, proving he can contribute against various pitching styles.
The Dodgers’ strategy of carefully managing player rotations while recognizing talent like Kim’s is commendable. His upward trajectory offers hope for both his career and the team’s success as they navigate the season.