Full Breakdown
Hyeseong Kim's Spring Training Progress with the Dodgers
2/27/2026, 6:38:39 AM
Overview of Hyeseong Kim's Development
Hyeseong Kim, a 27-year-old South Korean infielder, is making significant strides in his second spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a challenging rookie season in Major League Baseball (MLB), Kim is focused on improving his performance and securing a spot on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster for the 2026 season.
Challenges Faced in Rookie Season
During his debut season, Kim struggled to adapt to MLB pitching, which was evident in his performance. Despite a promising start where he batted .383 over his first 36 games, his numbers declined sharply, culminating in a .175 batting average from July onwards. He also faced a shoulder injury that limited his play, resulting in minimal postseason involvement. Kim concluded the season with a .280 batting average and a 30.6% strikeout rate, which was notably higher than the league average. Reflecting on his experience, Kim expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, stating, “I found out some of the things that I needed to work on.”
Spring Training Adjustments
In preparation for the 2026 season, Kim has been working closely with Dodgers hitting coaches to refine his swing mechanics. The coaching staff focused on improving his leg strength and torso alignment to enhance his power and stability at the plate. Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates noted that Kim's previous swing was "twisted," and adjustments have aimed to keep him "more square" throughout his swing. These changes have yielded positive results, as Kim has demonstrated improved performance during the Cactus League games, batting 6 for 13 and hitting a notable home run against the Chicago White Sox.
Positioning for a Roster Spot
With Tommy Edman sidelined at the start of the season, Kim is positioning himself for a utility role, potentially playing second base and serving as a backup outfielder. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Kim's progress, stating, “I think he’s closed some of those holes where pitchers used to exploit him.” However, Kim's participation in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) may complicate the Dodgers' evaluation process, as he will leave spring training to join Team South Korea.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming season, Kim's performance in the WBC will be closely monitored, although the team will refrain from making definitive assessments based on his tournament play. Roberts emphasized that Kim has had a "great camp so far," and his recent home run was seen as a positive indicator of his development.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was not satisfied last year,” — Hyeseong Kim, Infielder, Los Angeles Dodgers
- “He twisted (in his swing) before, where his body would almost get twisted behind his back,” — Aaron Bates, Hitting Coach, Los Angeles Dodgers
- “He’s had a great camp so far,” — Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers
In summary, Hyeseong Kim's ongoing adjustments and performance improvements during spring training are critical as he aims to secure a place on the Dodgers' roster for the 2026 MLB season.
