Hyeseong Kim aims to make the Los Angeles Dodgers' Opening Day roster; his versatility is a crucial need for the team.

Tommy Edman might not be the most fearsome batter in the Dodgers' lineup, yet his versatility makes him hard to replace. As Edman is set to miss Opening Day due to rehab from right ankle surgery, the Dodgers could look to Hyeseong Kim to cover this vacancy.

Kim signed with the Dodgers before the 2025 season after spending eight years in the KBO League in South Korea, where he became a star player. His rookie MLB season was inconsistent: he did not make the Opening Day roster and began in Triple-A Oklahoma City. Upon promotion, he started strong, hitting .403 with a 1.020 OPS over his first 28 games. However, his performance declined afterward, batting just .202 with a 0.496 OPS in the final 43 games. His playing time was limited and mainly against right-handed pitchers. Kim played through left shoulder bursitis before landing on the injured list for a month. After returning, his role was restricted late in the season.

“I think he had a great season given the opportunities he received,” said manager Dave Roberts. “I expect him to get more chances this year, and we’ll see how it goes. He works very hard in training and is a player people easily root for.”

Kim fully understands the challenges of breaking into the major leagues, especially on a talented and deep Dodgers squad. Entering the 2026 season, he hopes to build on last year’s experience and earn more playing time.

“I’m not satisfied with last year,” Kim said today through his translator, Mr. Kim. “I realized the areas I need to improve. I just want to train hard and make sure I can be on the Opening Day roster after spring training.”

Kim already had a good chance to make the Opening Day roster, and with Edman sidelined, he is expected to compete with rookie Alex Freeland for the starting second base spot against right-handed pitchers. During the offseason, Kim also focused on improving his defense in center field, which could give him an edge in securing a roster spot.

Last year, when Edman was limited to second base due to his ankle, the Dodgers’ lineup depth behind starting center fielder Andy Pages was thin. Pages’ performance dropped significantly in the playoffs, posting a 0.211 OPS, yet he still started Game 4 of the World Series because he remained one of the best options at that position for the Dodgers.

Currently, behind Pages and Edman, the best defensive option for center field on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster might be Michael Siani, whose glove is more impressive than his bat. Kim has shown potential in the majors, and if he can build on his rookie hitting and handle center field duties, he would be a valuable asset for the team.

During last spring training, Kim adjusted his swing to better handle major league pitching. He said he felt “only about 70% comfortable” at the time, but it helped him identify what to improve in the offseason. Kim has already completed extensive training at the Dodgers’ spring camp and has faced live pitching three times since reporting last Saturday. However, he will leave early to represent South Korea in the World Baseball Classic this March.

Before the season starts, it remains unclear how much progress he has made defensively in the outfield. Last year, Kim appeared 17 times (9 starts) in center field for the Dodgers, playing 85.1 errorless innings, though his defensive runs saved at that position was -2.

Regardless of his role, Kim’s goal this year is to become a key player for the Dodgers.

“I feel that last year I needed to improve not just one aspect,” Kim said. “Whether infield, outfield, hitting, or defense, I think all facets of my baseball skills require enhancement... Making the Opening Day roster and playing every day is my goal.”