The Meteoric Rise Of Dodgers’ Utilityman Draws Rookie of the Year Buzz

Hyeseong Kim has wasted no time making a name for himself in Major League Baseball. The 26-year-old rookie from South Korea, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers this May after a standout career in the KBO, is turning heads nationally—and for good reason.

In MLB.com’s latest Rookie of the Year poll, Kim earned three first-place votes, second only to Braves rookie Drake Baldwin, who garnered 24. For a player who’s appeared in just 30 games and started fewer than half, Kim’s inclusion is remarkable.

Used strategically by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Kim has been deployed primarily at second base and center field, with occasional appearances at shortstop. Of his 73 plate appearances, 69 have come against right-handers—part of a carefully crafted plan to maximize his early success.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim Among The NL’s Best Rookies

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That plan is working. Since debuting on May 3, Kim’s .382 batting average ranks second among rookies with at least 70 plate appearances—only behind the Cubs’ Michael Wilson. He’s also swiped six bases without being caught and posted a robust .969 OPS. Simply put, Kim’s bat, speed, and versatility are providing a jolt to an already loaded Dodgers roster.

“Kim has really improved on both sides of the ball,” Roberts told reporters this week. “He’s earned more opportunities.”

With veteran Michael Conforto struggling to hit (.168 AVG), Kim’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time. Whether it’s in the outfield or infield, Kim’s defensive adaptability makes him a valuable chess piece for Roberts as the Dodgers aim to repeat as champions.

Though Baldwin is the current frontrunner, Kim’s rapid ascent and growing role in Los Angeles could make the Rookie of the Year race a lot more interesting before the season is over.

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