The regular season is officially complete, and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will attempt to make history in the postseason.

As Los Angeles finalizes its roster for the start of the National League Division Series against either the No. 3-seeded Atlanta Braves or No. 6-seeded Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, utilityman Hyeseong Kim has emerged as a surprising candidate.

Kim and Josue De Paula will participate in the Dodgers’ workouts at Dodger Stadium over the coming days. Both will receive serious consideration for a roster spot.

Kim has quietly returned to the postseason conversation despite spending essentially the entire second half with Triple-A Oklahoma City after being optioned in late May.

Two years after signing with Los Angeles out of South Korea, the 27-year-old infielder remains a work in progress offensively. Kim hit .259 with one home run, 11 RBIs and a .651 OPS in 116 at-bats this season while striking out 31 times.

His production in Oklahoma City was not particularly impressive either. Kim hit .262 with three home runs, 31 RBIs and 92 strikeouts in 328 at-bats. 

However, his elite speed and quality infield defense, especially at second base, could provide his route onto the roster, as he stole five bases in six attempts.

According to Jack Harris from the California Post, manager Dave Roberts identified Kim as the player the Dodgers would trust as a pinch-runner in potentially close games.

“Talking about the value of a pinch-runner in potential close games,” Roberts explained, “[we would be] trusting Hyeseong, who would be the guy.”

Those abilities earned Kim a place on the Dodgers’ postseason roster last October as a speed option off the bench. He contributed to two of the most important moments during their World Series run.

Kim entered Game 4 of the National League Division Series against Philadelphia as a pinch-runner and scored the series-clinching run in the 11th inning on Orion Kerkering’s infamous walk-off throwing error.

Three weeks later, Kim replaced the injured Miguel Rojas at second base during another 11th-inning situation in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers then recorded the final three outs to secure the title.

Kim would likely fill a similar role this postseason. The primary concern is whether Los Angeles can afford to carry a position player it may not want hitting during October.

The approach worked last year, when Kim and Justin Dean held specialized bench roles. However, Shohei Ohtani’s two-way status effectively provided the Dodgers with an additional pitcher.

With Ohtani limited to hitting this time, constructing the roster becomes more complicated.

Los Angeles may still have flexibility during a best-of-five National League Division Series. Roberts recently explained that pitching depth is less important in a short series, potentially creating space for Kim.

“… in a short series, the number of arms [on the pitching staff] is not as important,” Roberts said.

Kim’s speed allows him to pressure defenses and change an inning without starting a game. His defensive reliability also gives Roberts protection late in close contests.

He understands how to remain prepared despite limited opportunities. That patience, versatility and willingness to embrace a specialized role make him valuable.

Kim may not offer imposing offense, but his instincts, athleticism and postseason experience give the Dodgers tools that can matter in decisive moments.