Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025
When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim to a three-year $12.5 million contract in January, many baseball-knowledgeable pundits were asked, “Why?”
The Kim signing led to the Gavin Lux trade, but the Dodgers have only one question about their position players. Who will play second base for the Dodgers on March 18th in Japan?
Already Kim has turned heads at Camelback Ranch with his athleticism and defense. Dave Roberts said that Kim’s super defense could win games for the Dodgers. While the media ignores the quality of defense of all baseball teams unless they make errors, defense is a key factor in a team’s ability to win a world championship. On paper, the Dodgers have one weakness, which is defense.
If Kim can prove he can hit major league velocity, he will be the Dodger Opening Day second baseman. Coming from the KBO, Kim is viewed a weak link to the Dodgers’ offense.
If Kim can’t hit major league pitching, the Dodgers have many options to play second base. Tommy Edman, a Gold Glove second baseman, is slated to be the center fielder. The Dodgers can move Edman from center field to second base and play Andy Pages, James Outman, Chris Taylor, or Kiké Hernández in center field. If they don’t want to move Edman, Taylor or Hernández can play second base. Mookie Betts can play second base, and Miguel Rojas, Taylor, and Hernández can play shortstop at an elite level.
Watching Kim during spring training is an interesting story.
