GLENDALE, Ariz. — Tommy Edman may not be the most fearsome hitter in the Dodgers’ lineup, but his versatile skill set makes him difficult to replace. With Edman out for Opening Day as he continues to rehab from offseason surgery on his right ankle, the Dodgers could look to Hyeseong Kim as an option to fill that void.
Kim, who signed with the Dodgers ahead of the 2025 season after starring in the KBO for eight years, had an up-and-down experience as a big league rookie. He didn’t break camp with the Dodgers, instead beginning the year with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He got off to a scorching start after being promoted, hitting .403 with a 1.020 OPS through his first 28 games.
But after that, Kim’s production dropped off, as he hit .202 with a .496 OPS in his final 43 games. He was already seeing somewhat sporadic playing time, primarily playing in favorable matchups against right-handed pitchers. Kim played through discomfort due to bursitis in his left shoulder before spending a month on the IL. And when he returned, his playing time was limited down the stretch.
“I thought he had a great year for the opportunities he was given,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I expect he’s going to have more opportunities this year, and we’ll see where it takes him. But he’s a hard worker, and he’s an easy, easy guy to bet on.”
Kim knew that moving to the Major Leagues would be a challenge, particularly with a talented and deep team like the Dodgers. In 2026, he’s looking to learn from his first big league season and earn more playing time going forward.
“I was not satisfied last year,” Kim said through interpreter Dean Kim on Monday. “I found out some of the things that I needed to work on. I just want to work hard and make sure that I make the roster right off the bat after Spring Training.”
Kim had a good chance at making the Opening Day roster as it was, but with Edman out, he should be in the mix alongside prospect Alex Freeland to start against right-handed pitchers at second base. Kim also focused on improving his defense in center field this offseason, which could help give him an edge for a roster spot.
Last year, when Edman’s ankle limited him to second base, the Dodgers were likewise restricted in how they could configure their lineup. That cut into their depth behind starting center fielder Andy Pages, who slumped greatly to the tune of a .211 OPS during the postseason but continued to draw starts through Game 4 of the World Series because he was still one of L.A.’s best options to field the position.
As things stand, the Dodgers’ best defensive option in center on the 40-man roster behind Pages and Edman might be Michael Siani, whose glove speaks louder than his bat. Kim has shown flashes of his potential at the big league level, so if he is able to build on his rookie year at the plate while being a playable option in center, that would be quite the asset to the team.
Last spring, Kim was working through swing changes in order to adjust to Major League pitching. He said he felt “about 70% comfortable,” but he was able to identify more things to work on this offseason. Kim has already gotten in plenty of reps at Dodgers camp, facing live pitching three times since pitcher and catcher workouts began on Friday, but he will depart early in order to play for Team South Korea in the World Baseball Classic.
Before games begin, it’s unclear what strides he’s taken defensively in the outfield. Kim appeared in 17 games (nine starts) in center field for the Dodgers last year and did not make an error in 85 1/3 innings, but he was also worth -2 outs above average at the position.
No matter the role, Kim has his sights set on being an impact player for the Dodgers this year.
“I don’t think there’s necessarily like one thing that I need to work on from last year,” Kim said. “Hitting and defense, whether it’s infield or outfield, I felt like I needed to work on everything in all aspects of the game. … To be able to make the roster and play every day is my goal.”
