Like Ha-seong Kim 4 years ago… Will Kim Hye-seong overcome the competition for MLB survival? :: Sympathetic Media Newsis ::

‘Star Corps’ joins the Dodgers and aims to enter the big leagues

Kim Ha-seong, who entered MLB in 2021, survived the brilliant infield competition

(Seoul = Newsis) Reporter Kim Joo-hee = Infielder Kim Hye-seong (26), who succeeded in advancing to the United States by signing with the LA Dodgers, begins competing to enter the big league.

Kim Hye-seong, who played on the KBO League stage wearing the Kiwoom Heroes uniform until last season, signed a three-year contract worth $12.5 million (approximately 18.37 billion won) on the 4th through the posting system. If the option included in 2028-2029 is exercised, the contract size can increase to $22 million (approximately 32.33 billion won).

I took a breather by signing with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, but I can’t feel at ease yet. Hye-Sung Kim must face fierce competition to secure a spot in the big league.

The Dodgers are known as a team of stars in MLB. Their power is solid enough to have won the World Series last year.

This year’s Dodgers’ infield will be comprised of first baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Gavin Lux, shortstop Mookie Betts, and third baseman Max Muncy.

Kim Hye-seong boasts excellent defensive skills, enough to have received Golden Glove awards for both second base and shortstop in the KBO League, but in MLB, she must first play with the goal of entering the 26-man roster.

One variable is the possibility of Lux being traded. According to reports, teams in need of infielders, such as the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, are showing interest in Lux. If Lux, who played 139 games last year and recorded a batting average of 0.251, 10 home runs, and 50 RBIs, leaves the team, Kim Hye-sung’s big league debut could become easier.

However, we cannot be sure of Lux’s transfer. Also, even if Lux leaves, it is not easy to see that Kim Hye-sung’s position will be completely strengthened as the Dodgers have many prospects.

In this situation, in order to survive through competition, Kim Hye-seong must make her presence known starting from spring training and exhibition games. Moreover, Kim Hye-sung’s contract does not include a minor league veto. Since he has an unstable status and cannot refuse when the team orders him to go to the minors, it is essential to quickly make a mark.

(San Diego = AP/Newsis) San Diego Padres’ shortstop Kim Ha-seong (right) is with third baseman Manny Machado after finishing defense in the top of the fourth inning of the 2022 Major League Baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers held at Petco Park in San Diego, California on the 29th (local time). They are walking out while talking. 2022.09.30.

It is not an impossible challenge. Kim Ha-seong, who worked together with Kim Hye-sung at Kiwoom Heroes, also entered the big league in 2021 and signed a contract with the San Diego Padres, which has a brilliant infield. He also did not have the right to veto the minor league during his two years of debut.

At the time, Ha-seong Kim’s main position was shortstop, with Fernando Tatis Jr. at third base, Manny Machado, and first baseman Eric Hosmer. Jake Cronenworth was also at second base, which Ha-seong Kim pointed out as “the best position to play” in a press conference after joining San Diego.

Despite being evaluated as a difficult challenge, Ha-seong Kim played 117 games in 2021, his first season as a member. Although he faltered in batting with a batting average of 0.202, 8 home runs, and 34 RBIs, he showed off his versatility by playing second base (21 games), third base (23 games), and shortstop (35 games).

Ha-seong Kim, who proved his strengths in this way, gradually expanded his position as a starting infielder, and in 2023, he became the first Asian infielder to win the Gold Glove.

In order to overcome the fierce competition, Kim Hye-seong must fully emphasize her strengths of defense and base running. Spring training, which begins next month, is expected to be the starting point.

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