The Los Angeles Dodgers roster was bolstered by the early signing of South Korean second baseman Hyeseong Kim to a $12.5 million, three-year deal, making the team look stronger as they look to defend their World Series title. They still have hopes of adding one more Asian player, if they can convince Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, although the competition is strong and experts do not give them many options.
The Dodgers have positioned themselves as an attractive window despite not being in the best position in negotiations. Last season they managed to attract Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and now they have demonstrated their clout with Kim, who according to a report published on the X account of journalist Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News, the offer from the Los Angeles Angels was superior: $28 million for five years.
According to sources, the Angels lost Kim because in the structure of the financial proposal, there was a significant amount in unguaranteed money, which caused uncertainty in the South Korean infielder.
The Dodgers surprised with Kim at the last minute
On January 3, they announced the deal with Hyeseong Kim just as Kiwoom Heroes’ posting window was about to expire and they closed it for three years and $12.5 million, with a club option for two years for 2028 and 2029, which would give him the opportunity to earn up to $22 million.
Kim received a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $2.5 million this year and $3.75 million in each of the next two seasons
The Dodgers saw Kim on their 2024 tour of South Korea and with his arrival they got a player who is about to turn 26 years old, with eight years as a professional and who last season with the Kiwoom Heroes had an average of .326, 11 home runs and 75 runs batted in, plus 30 stolen bases, which enhances his offensive value, as he is not a home run hitter, but has the talent to hit balls that allow him to get on base.
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