Hours before his posting window closes, Hye-seong Kim signs with the Dodgers for $22 million over three years, with an option for an extra two. The news was broken by @KBOTradeRumors on X which cited a CAA official as his source, the breakdown of the contract is not yet known. The same user comments that the Angels, Mariners, Cubs and Padres also made offers to the Korean.
Hye-seong Kim Signs with the Dodgers
[단독] 포스팅 김혜성, 최대 2200만달러 다저스와 계약… 오타니와 한솥밥 (출처 : 네이버 스포츠) https://t.co/WgZ0OsjW0C
김혜성은 마감시간을 불과 3시간 남겨놓은 상황에서 다저스로 최종 결정을 완료하고 사인했다. 계약기간은 3+2년이고, 금액은 2200만달러다.
— KBO Trade Rumors (@KBOTradeRumors) January 3, 2025
Several media outlets in Korea are now reporting that #Dodgers have agreed to a 3-yr deal w/ Hye-seong Kim w/ option for an additional 2 years. #MLB #KBO pic.twitter.com/SLPieGZKPM
— Daniel Kim 대니얼 김 (@DanielKimW) January 3, 2025
Why Hye-seong Kim?
The 26-year-old played his first full season in the KBO for the Heroes in 2018 and has developed a reputation for being a plus defender with plus bat-to-ball skills. Despite being a strong defender, ranking as a primarily second baseman has hindered the excitement about Kim. However, fitting a similar mold to former teammate Ha-Seong Kim has left many teams optimistic about his ability to play at short in the MLB. While not as highly touted as Ha-Seong’s, his bat is expected to play. He finished 2024 with a .326/.383/.458 line and a career-high 11 home runs.
The KBO is considered to be around the AA level. This topic dominated discussions after Jung Hoo Lee’s massive 6-year, $113 million contract last offseason. However, despite limited playing time, Lee showed how his elite bat-to-ball skills will translate to the big leagues. Ha-Seong is also an above-average hitter in the big leagues after a slow start.
How does he help the Dodgers?
The Dodgers have added a nice piece to their middle infield in a position of uncertainty. Kim provides a high-upside option for the next three years, and for only $22 million over that time, he is a low-risk option, too.
It does raise questions about Gavin Lux‘s future, though, as the Dodger’s everyday second baseman in 2024, mainly due to Kim’s lack of flexibility. The 27-year-old had 2.1 WAR in 2024 and was average offensively. However, in the last two years of arbitration, he will become a clear trade candidate in the next few weeks.
Main Photo Credits: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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