The Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to trade starting second baseman Gavin Lux shortly after signing Korea Baseball Organization infielder Hyeseong Kim suggested a seamless transition at second base. However, Kim’s performance at the plate during spring training has raised some concerns within the Dodgers organization. While manager Dave Roberts has consistently praised Kim’s defensive capabilities, he has also been forthright about the infielder’s offensive challenges.
“Defensively, I think it’ll be very seamless,” Roberts said, addressing Kim’s transition from the KBO to MLB. “Offensively, there’s certainly more velocity. Controlling, getting his path right. Being able to handle balls that move late, handle velocity, and use the whole field. He’s going to put the ball in play. He can run. I just think he needs repetition.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Need Hyeseong Kim To Develop Into Hitter
During Cactus League play, Kim has recorded four hits in 25 at-bats, including one home run and one RBI, while striking out 10 times. “I would say, if there’s one part of it, the question mark, I would say it is the bat,” Roberts acknowledged. “The competition is different over there than here. … Obviously he’s going through some swing changes that he believes will help him also make this transition easier and sustainable.”
Roberts continued, “He bet on himself to come here and to compete, and so right now he’s in a competition to earn a job with us. I would say that that’s still all in play, and we don’t need to make a decision right now, obviously, but I would say that if there’s one thing that … still is in question is the bat. And I think that’s a fair thought on our part.”
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report suggests that Kim’s difficulties in adapting to Major League pitching could potentially force the Dodgers to reconsider their infield plans. “Of all the stars the Dodgers added this past winter, Kim is the one who sort of has to work out,” Rymer writes. “If he doesn’t, they’ll be wanting the Gavin Lux trade back and could even rethink their plan for Mookie Betts to be their everyday shortstop. Though Kim was a .304 hitter in Korea, he’s batting just .160 thus far in spring training. Probably meaningless, to be sure, but it obviously would have been more.”