Since his promotion from Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 3, Hyeseong Kim has wasted no time in turning heads. The 25-year-old rookie from South Korea has brought energy, versatility, and production to the Los Angeles Dodgers—a team already brimming with star power. But in a stacked lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, it was Kim who stole the show on Wednesday night with a milestone moment that electrified Dodger Stadium.
Kim made a statement in his 10th game. He went 2-for-2 against the Oakland Athletics, including his first career home run—a 385-foot blast to right-center that tied the game at 3-3. The ball rocketed off his bat at 104.3 mph with a 26-degree launch angle, a product of swing adjustments he and Dodgers hitting coaches had been working on since Spring Training.
As Kim rounded the bases, the roar of the crowd faded into the background. The moment felt surreal.
“I always dreamed of playing at Dodger Stadium,” Kim said through his interpreter. “I’m really happy, and I’m really thrilled right now.”
He added, “When I hit the home run, I really didn’t hear [the fans]. I was more focusing on my situation.”
More Than a Moment: Kim’s Stats Back the Hype
Through his first 25 Major League at-bats, Kim is slashing an impressive .360/.840 OPS with one home run, three RBIs, three runs scored, and two stolen bases. He’s appeared at both second base and center field, showcasing not just offensive value but defensive flexibility.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has taken note. Back on May 7, he praised Kim’s “unconventional at-bats” and “focus,” hinting early at the club’s growing confidence in the rookie.
Los Angeles Dodgers Climbing Against the Odds
Kim’s journey to this moment has been anything but easy. A sluggish Spring Training kept him off the Opening Day roster, as he struggled to adapt his swing for more consistent power. But at Oklahoma City, things began to click—Kim belted five home runs in the minors, forcing the Dodgers’ hand and earning his call-up.
“I don’t really try to think about hitting for power,” Kim said. “I think the only thing that I really care about is to hit a hard hit, and if it comes out, then I’m happy.”
Despite his low-key demeanor, Kim’s rise is now a serious factor in shaping the Dodgers’ roster. He’s filling in for NLCS MVP Tommy Edman, who remains on the injured list, and the team even traded for Toronto’s Steward Berroa to deepen its middle infield.
With Teoscar Hernández and Edman due back soon, roster decisions loom large. One spot will likely come at the expense of James Outman, but Kim’s emergence puts pressure on veterans Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor—two clubhouse leaders the Dodgers have historically hesitated to move on from.
The recent DFA of Austin Barnes, the team’s longest-tenured position player, suggests that performance is now taking precedence over legacy.
Eyes Forward, Feet Grounded
As the noise builds around him, Kim remains focused on his role.
“Assessment and evaluation is on the team,” he said. “It’s not my role. So I’m just trying to do my job and try to be a good athlete.”
“I’m trying to figure out what my role is in this organization, and I’m just trying to control what I can control.”
And so far, he’s controlling it brilliantly. Kim’s debut may have started quietly, but his first big swing sent a message—both to fans and the front office—that he belongs.
If comets really are falling over Dodger Stadium, Hyeseong Kim just might be one of them.