Baseball is a funny game. One day you’re a Gold Glover in San Diego, and the next, you're the subject of every "hot take" on social media. If you've been doom-scrolling through trade rumors lately, you've likely seen the name Ha-Seong Kim linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It makes sense, right? The Dodgers love versatile, high-IQ players. Kim is an elite defender who can play three infield spots.
But there is a massive point of confusion that has been driving Dodgers fans crazy over the last year.
Basically, it's a tale of two Kims. If you saw a headline saying the Dodgers signed a Korean infielder named Kim for $12.5 million, you’re likely looking at Hyeseong Kim. He’s the 26-year-old former KBO standout the Dodgers actually signed in January 2025. Ha-Seong Kim, the veteran you know from the Padres, is a completely different story.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess for anyone trying to keep the roster straight.
The Ha-Seong Kim Dodgers Connection: Why the Rumors Won't Die
The reality is that Ha-Seong Kim did not sign with Los Angeles. He spent a wild and somewhat frustrating 2025 season bouncing around. After a shoulder surgery in late 2024, he signed a "pillow deal" with the Tampa Bay Rays to rebuild his value. It didn’t quite go to plan. Between shoulder rehab, calf issues, and back injuries, he only played 48 games last year.
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The Rays eventually put him on waivers—yeah, that actually happened—and he was claimed by the Atlanta Braves in September.
So, why do we keep talking about Ha-Seong Kim and the Dodgers?
- The Mookie Factor: While Mookie Betts has been incredible at shortstop, winning a Fielding Bible Award in 2025, the Dodgers are always looking for defensive insurance.
- The Ohtani Effect: The Dodgers have become the epicenter for Asian baseball stars. Adding "The King" (as Kim is affectionately known) alongside Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto would be a marketing supernova.
- The Free Agency Cycle: Kim recently turned down a $16 million player option for 2026 to test the market again. Instead of a long-term mega-deal, he ended up signing a one-year, $20 million contract to stay with the Atlanta Braves for the 2026 season.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, are rolling with Hyeseong Kim in a utility role. It's confusing as hell, but the "other" Kim is the one wearing the home whites at Chavez Ravine right now.
What Really Happened with Kim's Market?
A lot of experts, including those over at The Athletic and FanGraphs, thought Kim would be the top shortstop on the market this winter. But that shoulder surgery changed everything. Before the injury, he was a 5-WAR player. In 2025, his arm strength dropped significantly.
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Statcast data showed his average throw from shortstop dipped from 88 mph in 2024 to about 83.9 mph in 2025. That’s a four-tick drop. In the big leagues, that’s the difference between an out and a base hit.
Teams were scared. The Dodgers looked, but they didn't bite. They already have a logjam with Gavin Lux, Tommy Edman, and the emerging Hyeseong Kim. Throwing $20 million at a "maybe" isn't really their style anymore, especially with the luxury tax bills they're footing.
A Quick Reality Check on the Numbers
Let's look at what Ha-Seong Kim is actually bringing to the table for 2026.
Last year's slash line was a modest .234/.304/.345. Not exactly "pay the man" numbers. However, his exit velocity was actually at career-high levels when he was healthy enough to swing. The bat speed is there. The power is... sort of there. He’s betting on himself with that one-year Atlanta deal. He wants to prove his shoulder is 100% so he can finally land that $100 million contract in 2027.
Why Hyeseong Kim is the "Actual" Dodger
If you're at the stadium and you see a "Kim" jersey, it's probably the younger Hyeseong. The Dodgers got him on a three-year deal that's incredibly team-friendly. He’s fast—like, "The Comet" fast. He stole 30 bases in his final KBO season and has been a reliable spark plug off the bench for Dave Roberts.
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There's a sort of irony here. The Dodgers passed on the expensive, established Ha-Seong Kim in favor of the younger, cheaper, and healthier version from the same league.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you’re following this saga, here is what you need to keep an eye on as the 2026 season unfolds:
- Watch the Arm Strength: If you catch a Braves game, watch Ha-Seong Kim's throws to first. If he’s back up to 87-88 mph, he’s going to be the most coveted free agent in 2027. If he stays in the low 80s, he might be moved to second base permanently.
- Hyeseong’s Playing Time: In LA, keep an eye on how much run Hyeseong Kim gets. If Gavin Lux struggles or Max Muncy ends up back on the IL, Hyeseong could become a household name by July.
- The 2027 Free Agent Class: Since Ha-Seong Kim is on a one-year deal, the "Ha-Seong Kim to the Dodgers" rumors will start all over again in November 2026. Be ready for the sequel.
The Dodgers have built a roster that's more about "super-utility" than fixed positions. While Ha-Seong Kim would have been a perfect fit in a different year, the timing and the injury just didn't align. For now, he’s a Brave, and the Dodgers are betting on the "other" Kim to be their secret weapon.
Check the box scores carefully. One Kim is playing for a championship in LA; the other is playing for his financial future in Atlanta. Both are worth watching.
Next Steps:
You can track Ha-Seong Kim's daily Statcast metrics on Baseball Savant to see if his arm strength returns to 2023 levels. Additionally, keep an eye on the Dodgers' 40-man roster moves as they integrate their younger international signings throughout the 2026 season.