Hyeseong Kim Ready for Bigger Role with Dodgers in 2026 After Promising Debut
Hyeseong Kim’s rookie label is officially in the rearview mirror, and now the real test begins. The Dodgers’ versatile infielder and outfielder enters 2026 not just as a young talent with upside, but as a player with something to prove-and a legitimate shot to carve out a consistent role in one of baseball’s most competitive lineups.
After spending the early part of 2025 in the minors, adjusting to the rhythm and grind of American baseball, Kim got his opportunity when the Dodgers found themselves in the middle of an injury crunch. The team needed a spark, and Kim delivered-at least early on.
In his first 112 at-bats, Kim slashed a scorching .339/.378/.464 with a 136 OPS+. That’s not just solid-it’s the kind of production that turns heads in a clubhouse full of stars.
He showed a knack for putting the ball in play, handling velocity, and staying competitive in at-bats. But as the league got a better look at him, pitchers adjusted.
Kim, battling a shoulder injury, struggled to respond. His second-half numbers told the story: a .143/.160/.204 line and a 1 OPS+ in limited action.
He saw just two games of postseason action-and didn’t log an at-bat. With the Dodgers’ offense sputtering at times in October, there was a case to be made for giving Kim a look. But manager Dave Roberts leaned on veterans like Miguel Rojas when it mattered most.
Still, despite the late-season dip and quiet postseason, Kim’s overall body of work left a strong impression. He flashed enough potential-and poise-to earn a longer look heading into 2026.
And that’s exactly what he’s getting.
Roberts: “He’s an easy guy to bet on”
Speaking at spring training, Dave Roberts made it clear: Kim is firmly in the mix.
“Hyeseong’s in the mix,” Roberts said. “We got Espinal, obviously, Miggy Ro’s gonna do some things over there, Freeland certainly in the mix, so we’ve got some nice options.”
Roberts also hinted at something bigger-literally expanding Kim’s role beyond the infield.
“I think Hyeseong’s gonna play some center field as well,” he said. “I want to get him out there, because I want to get him at-bats.”
It’s a telling quote. The Dodgers aren’t just looking at Kim as a plug-and-play utility guy.
They’re trying to find ways to get him in the lineup-wherever that may be. That versatility could be his ticket to more playing time, especially with Tommy Edman recovering and the team juggling depth pieces across the diamond.
Roberts praised Kim’s adaptability and growth last season, especially in how he handled major league pitching.
“With Hyeseong, I think just the adjustability with the high ball, the spin… he got a good introduction to Major League pitching, and I think he’s gonna be better this year,” Roberts said.
That’s a key point. Kim’s early success wasn’t a fluke-it came from a player who adjusted quickly and showed real baseball IQ. The second-half struggles, while glaring, came with the context of injury and the natural learning curve of a rookie season.
“The surface line was fine for Hyeseong,” Roberts added. “He did a really nice job for us.
I thought he had a great year for the opportunities he was given. I expect he’s gonna have more opportunities this year, and then we’ll see where it takes him.
But he’s a hard worker, and he’s an easy, easy guy to bet on.”
What’s next for Kim?
With Edman sidelined, second base is very much up for grabs, and Kim is firmly in that conversation. But don’t be surprised to see him roaming the outfield either-especially center field-if the Dodgers feel they need his bat in the lineup.
This spring will be crucial. If Kim can recapture the form he showed in the first half of 2025-and build on it with more consistency-he could push his way into the everyday mix. His ability to play multiple positions gives Roberts flexibility, and his offensive upside gives the Dodgers another dynamic weapon.
For a team with championship aspirations, every roster spot matters. And for Hyeseong Kim, 2026 isn’t just another year-it’s a real opportunity to show he belongs.
He may not be a rookie anymore, but his story with the Dodgers is just getting started.