Kim Hyeseong to leave camp after impressive spring, will represent Korea in World Baseball Classic

During his short stint at his second big league spring training, Kim Hyeseong has already caught the Dodgers' eye. Yet, for roughly the next fortnight, the battle for the second base spot will continue in his absence.

Kim Hyeseong will leave after today's game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch, a 7-6 win, to join the Korean national team for the World Baseball Classic. He has appeared in four Cactus League games, performing well in this small sample size.

Team Korea faces stiff competition in Pool C, with round-robin games taking place at the Tokyo Dome from March 5-10 against defending champion Japan, Chinese Taipei, Australia, and the Czech Republic. Should Korea fail to advance, Kim could potentially return to Camelback Ranch with about a week and a half of exhibition games remaining.

Until then, the Dodgers will have to assess Kim's progress from afar as best they can. He left them with something to remember: in his final at-bat, he launched his first home run of the spring, a go-ahead solo shot.

When asked if this was the perfect way to depart, Kim Hyeseong replied, "Can you ask Dave Roberts?" he said through translator Mr. Kim, expressionless.

His manager indeed thought it was.

"He's had a great spring training so far," Roberts said. "I just love the way he plays the game. The home run was icing on the cake, an exclamation point, whatever you want to call it. I wish him all the best and can't wait to get him back."

This spring, Kim is 6-for-13 with five singles. He has driven in five runs, scored three, and stolen two bases. He also made his first start in center field yesterday, making two impressive running catches, with his elite speed aiding his adaptation to the relatively new position.

Versatility can only help Kim's case. With utilityman Tommy Edman (right ankle surgery) expected to begin the season on the injured list, he is essentially competing with rookie Alex Freeland for a spot in the second base mix. Edman's greatest value lies in his versatility, so if Kim can provide the Dodgers with additional outfield depth, it could give him an edge for an Opening Day roster spot.

"I don't think spring training results bring any satisfaction," Kim said. "I'm just focused on what I'm working on. Focusing on the quality of my movements and my swing mechanics. Yeah, just trying to play every day and hopefully it shows during the season."

In his rookie MLB season, Kim posted a .280/.314/.385 slash line over 71 games, but cooled off after a hot start. A stint on the IL with left shoulder bursitis affected his swing, but he also had to adjust to the grind of a Major League season and life in a foreign country.

Earlier in spring, Kim stated he was "about 70% comfortable" with the swing adjustments the Dodgers made last year. Offseason and spring work has helped him progress further. He specifically mentioned focusing on properly using his lower half in his swing.

"I see him handling secondary pitches better, not chasing below the zone," Roberts said. "He can get to some fastballs, which I think he's always been able to do... I think he's closed some holes in the swing. It's still early, but I'm seeing all good things right now."

At the Classic, Kim will face a lower caliber of pitching than in the majors, so the Dodgers may need to account for that when evaluating his performance for Korea. But even against non-MLB pitchers, they will still know what they need to see.

"The hitting coaches worked really hard with him on some swing things," Roberts said. "I think those adjustments will translate to a major league pitcher. Overall, the pitching in the Classic won't be at the level he'll face going forward. But I do believe the adjustments he's made will play."