The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim from the Korea Baseball Organization before the 2025 season, and he has been a solid player when given the chance.
However, the versatile infielder is unfortunately stuck behind the Dodgers' array of All-Stars. Kim can play shortstop, second base and the outfield. However, the Dodgers have Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages in the outfield, Mookie Betts at shortstop and Tommy Edman to play second base, among other options.
Kim signed a three-year, $12.5 million deal with the Dodgers and has $5 million club options for 2028 and 2029. He won four Gold Gloves in Korea and is an exceptional defender who has hit well in the big leagues in limited opportunities.
In 114 big league games, he has a .271/.318/.361 slash line. The slug is not great, but he has 18 stolen bases and brings elite speed to the field. He could be a great player for any team that needs an everyday infielder, and the Dodgers' best course of action may be to trade him.
He is a cost-effective, controllable asset with a decent bat and an elite glove. With the trade deadline approaching, many teams could be interested in a player like that. Holding on to him does the Dodgers no good besides giving them injury insurance, which they already have plenty of thanks to other versatile players already on their roster.
At this point, it's clear the Dodgers prefer the likes of Alex Freeland, Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández to play over Kim. Trading him could net them a prospect or a bullpen arm who can actually make an impact.