Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim is set to join South Korea’s national team training camp as preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic begin. Kim is no stranger to the international stage, having been part of South Korea’s WBC roster in 2022, and he now heads into camp fresh off his rookie debut season with the Dodgers in 2025.

What constitutes a signing “working out” is often subjective, shaped by expectations, contract size, and role. In the midst of a frenetic offseason, the Dodgers’ decision to bring Kim over from the KBO on a three-year, $12.5 million deal was never about immediate star power.

Instead, it was a calculated investment in athleticism, defensive versatility, and long-term upside. Within that framework, it’s difficult to argue that Kim’s first year in Los Angeles fell short, particularly when factoring in the steep learning curve of transitioning to Major League Baseball.

Despite the multiyear commitment, Kim did not open the season with the big-league club after an uneven spring training left his roster status unsettled.

The Dodgers’ unique schedule further complicated matters, as a two-game Opening Series in Tokyo compressed decision-making and limited evaluation time compared to most teams. As a result, Kim began the year in Triple-A.

His minor-league performance reflected exactly what the organization expected. Across 47 games, Kim consistently put the ball in play, lived up to his reputation as a high-contact hitter, and even flashed more power than advertised with five home runs in 37 games.

While his overall numbers suggested readiness rather than urgency, his impact on the basepaths stood out immediately. Kim stole 14 bases in 15 attempts, applying constant pressure and showcasing instincts that translated seamlessly to the North American game.

That skill set proved valuable once injuries began to test the Dodgers’ depth. Kim was recalled in early May amid the club’s annual roster churn, with his versatility becoming especially important following Tommy Edman’s injury. Having logged time in the outfield in the minors, Kim was able to fill multiple roles without disrupting the defensive alignment.

Kim’s start in the majors was electric. He posted five multi-hit games in his first 12 appearances and closed out his first month hitting .422 with a 1.058 OPS over 48 plate appearances. As opposing pitchers adjusted, those numbers normalized, and extended struggles from July onward limited his role as the Dodgers narrowed their postseason roster.

Even so, Kim’s baserunning remained a consistent weapon throughout the season. The utility infielder stole 13 bases without being caught until the final series in Seattle, when the Dodgers’ postseason path was already secured.

As he prepares to rejoin South Korea’s national team ahead of the 2026 WBC, Kim does so having established himself as a useful, adaptable major leaguer—exactly the type of outcome the Dodgers envisioned when they made their investment.

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