The Dodgers signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim to a three-year contract worth $12.5 million on January 3, 2025, after he was posted by the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO.
Kim hit .304/.364/.403 in his eight years with Kiwoom, averaging 21 doubles, five home runs, five triples, and 30 stolen bases over his seven full seasons. He won the Golden Glove Award in the KBO for his defensive prowess three times, including at shortstop in 2021 and at second base in 2022-23.
Dodgers scouts had Kim on their radar even prior to facing him in March 2024, when the Dodgers opened their regular season with two games against the Padres in Seoul. The Dodgers also played two exhibition games to tune up, including facing Kim and South Korea last March 18. He doubled and scored in the game.
“The dynamic athlete and explosiveness he showed in that game against us stood out, and obviously you see the body of work, it makes a lot of sense how those things match up,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes told Kirsten Watson on SportsNet LA on January 3.
Kim gets a $1 million signing bonus from the Dodgers, and these salaries for his three guaranteed seasons:
2025: $2.5 million
2026: $3.75 million
2027: $3.75 million
The Dodgers hold a two-year club option for 2028-29 worth $5 million for each season, and the option must be exercised at once after the 2027 season. Otherwise, Kim would receive a $1.5 million buyout.
The Kiwoom Heroes will receive a $2.5 million posting fee from the Dodgers, equal to 20 percent of the guaranteed portion of the contract.