Look at the Los Angeles Dodgers roster right now. It's basically a Hall of Fame induction ceremony waiting to happen. You have Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts. But there is a 27-year-old infielder who might actually be the most fascinating piece of the puzzle this season. His name is Kim Hye-seong.
He isn't a household name in the States yet. Honestly, if you aren't a die-hard KBO fan or a Dodgers obsessive, you might have missed his entire 2025 campaign. But 2026 is shaping up to be his "make or break" year in Hollywood.
The Dodgers have an aging problem. It sounds crazy to say about a team that just won a World Series, but they are technically one of the oldest rosters in Major League Baseball. Freeman is 36. Muncy is 35. This is where Dodgers Kim Hye seong comes in. He is the speed, the youth, and the defensive flexibility that Dave Roberts needs to keep this machine running without the wheels falling off.
The Weird, Rollercoaster Debut of Dodgers Kim Hye Seong
Kim didn't have the "Ohtani-style" entrance everyone expects from international stars. It was actually kinda rough at first. He signed that 3+2 year deal (worth up to $22 million) in early 2025, but he didn't even make the flight to the season opener in Tokyo. He spent the first few months in the minors, literally rebuilding his swing from the ground up to handle 98-mph heaters.
When he finally got the call in May—thanks to a Tommy Edman injury—he showed flashes of pure electricity.
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He finished 2025 with some decent, if not eye-popping, numbers:
- 71 games played
- .280 batting average
- 13 stolen bases
- 3 home runs
- A World Series ring
But the stats don't tell the whole story. He had a month where he batted over .400 and looked like the best contact hitter in the National League. Then he hit a wall. He struggled against right-handed pitching and his OPS dipped. This is the "sophomore slump" potential everyone is watching for in 2026.
Why 2026 is Different for Kim
The Dodgers just signed Andy Ibáñez. They have Alex Freeland breathing down everyone's neck. Tommy Edman is recovering from ankle surgery. Basically, the second base position is a total cage match right now.
Most people think Kim is just a bench piece. A "super-utility" guy who runs fast. That's a mistake. The Dodgers' front office is actually looking at him as a solution to their "aging core" issue. If he can fix the holes in his swing—specifically chasing those low breaking balls—he is a legitimate everyday starter.
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He’s a four-time KBO Golden Glove winner. You don't just lose that kind of defensive instinct. Whether he's at second, short, or even filling in at center field, his range is elite. The Dodgers are betting $12.5 million guaranteed that his "active play style" will be the spark plug for a lineup that can sometimes get a little stationary.
The Left-Handed Pitching Paradox
Here is something weird: standard scouting reports said Kim would struggle against MLB lefties.
Last year? He posted a .952 OPS against left-handers. He actually struggled way more against righties. It’s these kinds of nuances that make Dodgers Kim Hye seong such a tactical weapon for Dave Roberts. If he can even out those splits and become a league-average hitter against right-handed starters, he won't just be a bench player. He'll be the starting second baseman by June.
What to Watch During Spring Training
This spring is huge for him. He has been working behind the scenes to retool his contact points. The Dodgers love his work ethic—the guy is reportedly a gym rat who refuses to take a day off.
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We aren't talking about a guy who is going to hit 30 homers. That’s not Kim. We’re talking about a guy who can bunt for a hit, steal third, and then make a diving play at the keystone to save a run. In a league that is increasingly favoring speed and athleticism (thanks to the new rules), Kim is the "modern" player the Dodgers need.
The battle between him and Ibáñez for those utility reps is going to be the most intense storyline of the preseason. If Edman’s ankle keeps him sidelined through April, Kim is the internal favorite to take the bulk of the starts.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are tracking his progress this season, keep a close eye on these three specific indicators:
- Strikeout Rate: If his K% stays below 18%, he’s winning. His game is about putting the ball in play and letting his legs do the work.
- Defensive Versatility: Watch how many games he plays at shortstop. If the Dodgers trust him there, it means his arm strength has improved to MLB standards.
- Base Stealing Aggression: He needs to be a 30-swipe guy. If he’s hesitant on the paths, he loses half his value.
Kim Hye-seong isn't just "another guy" on a deep roster. He is the bridge to the next generation of Dodgers baseball. He's got the speed, he's got the ring, and now he just needs the consistency. Keep your eyes on number 6. He’s about to make a lot of people realize why the Dodgers fought so hard to sign him in the first face.