According to Dodgers Nation, Dave Roberts confirmed that there’s a chance rookie Hyeseong Kim could see time in left field once he returns to full strength. The Dodgers’ manager also noted that the team isn’t entirely sure how they’ll deploy Tommy Edman yet, though “it’s more CF and 2B” at this stage.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had no shortage of roster moves in 2025. From acquiring Blake Snell, Kirby Yates, and Tanner Scott to signing Michael Conforto and KBO stars Rosi Sasaki and Hyeseong Kim, the front office made sure to load up for a deep playoff push. Add in extensions for Teoscar Hernández, Clayton Kershaw, Blake Treinen, and Tommy Edman, and it’s clear the Dodgers weren’t shy about making big decisions.
Hyeseong Kim’s Breakout
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Of all the names, Kim may have been the most overlooked. The Dodgers signed him to a three-year, $12.5 million deal after an excellent KBO career in which he hit over .300 in his final four seasons, won four Gold Gloves, and stole a league-best 46 bases in 2021.
After a slow spring that landed him in Triple-A, Kim fought his way to the majors by May and immediately made an impact. By the end of that month, he was hitting .422 with an OPS over 1.000. Even after cooling slightly, Kim is still batting .372 with a .940 OPS, while playing multiple positions in the field.
“Kim is earning the opportunity to get somewhat of a consistent look,” Roberts said recently. And with the Dodgers lineup getting healthier, left field could be his next home.
Edman Nearing Return
Meanwhile, Tommy Edman is making progress from the ankle injury that landed him on the IL in early August. Per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Edman has begun taking live at-bats for the first time since the injury.
The versatile 30-year-old has been eyeing center field as his main role once he’s cleared to play. Although he was initially eligible to return on August 14, the Dodgers have taken a cautious approach. With September approaching, Edman is expected to be ready soon — likely with a rehab stint before rejoining the roster.
Edman will be looking to rebound at the plate when he does come back. Across 303 at-bats this season, he’s hitting .228 with a .281 OBP, 12 home runs, and 44 RBIs.
What It Means for the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ outfield picture could look very different down the stretch. Between Kim’s surprising bat and defense and Edman’s versatility, Los Angeles will have options as the playoff push heats up.
For now, the Dodgers remain atop the NL West and wrap a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend, holding a slim two-game division lead. A healthy roster — and a potential outfield shakeup — might be exactly what keeps them there.