From the moment he was called up in early May, Hyeseong Kim has made it nearly impossible for the Los Angeles Dodgers to keep him off the field. The 26-year-old rookie, who arrived from the KBO as a relatively unknown quantity stateside, has quickly established himself as a dynamic force in the lineup—earning both fan admiration and the trust of manager Dave Roberts.
Earning His Opportunities With The Los Angeles Dodgers
Initially brought in to fill a temporary void left by the injured Tommy Edman, Kim was expected to return to the minors once the roster stabilized. Instead, his hot bat and positional flexibility have earned him a more permanent spot.
“Hyeseong is doing a fantastic job,” Roberts said. “I do think in a meritocracy, Hyeseong has earned opportunities. He’s earning the opportunity to get somewhat of a consistent look.”
Since his debut, Kim has started 22 games while appearing in 30 overall. His numbers tell the story: a .378 batting average, two home runs, 12 RBIs, six stolen bases, and a .958 OPS across 79 plate appearances. He’s also flashed defensive versatility, playing both infield and outfield positions with poise.
An Expanding Role
Support Our Fight To End Fall Weddings
On Wednesday, Roberts inserted Kim into the starting lineup against a left-handed pitcher—something previously avoided. He replaced struggling veteran Michael Conforto in center field, a possible sign that Kim is gaining traction as an everyday player. Kim responded with a double in two at-bats, continuing to produce when called upon.
Roberts emphasized the importance of keeping Kim’s rhythm intact: “I don’t want to get him to lose his mojo and sit for four or five, six days and expect good at-bats.”
A Rising Rookie of the Year Contender?
Kim’s breakout hasn’t gone unnoticed. He earned three first-place votes in MLB.com’s most recent Rookie of the Year poll—second only to Braves catcher Drake Baldwin. For a player with limited starts, the recognition is remarkable.
As the Dodgers prepare for a postseason run, Kim’s emergence could be a game-changer. Whether at second base, shortstop, or the outfield, he’s giving Roberts every reason to pencil his name into the lineup more often.