Hyeseong Kim Faces Pivotal Spring as Dodgers Gauge His Long-Term Role
As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for another title push in 2026, one of the more intriguing storylines flying just under the radar is the case of utility man Hyeseong Kim. After bursting onto the scene with a red-hot debut, Kim now finds himself in a bit of a limbo - not quite a lock for the starting lineup, but far too talented to ignore.
Kim's introduction to Major League Baseball was electric. Through his first month, he slashed an eye-popping .422 with an OPS north of 1.000 - the kind of numbers that make you sit up and wonder if the Dodgers had unearthed another gem.
But as the season wore on, the league adjusted, and Kim’s production tapered off significantly. After the All-Star break, he posted an OPS of just .364, finishing the year with a mark just under .700.
The numbers tell a story of a player who started hot but struggled to maintain that momentum once pitchers found the holes in his swing. And according to team insiders, those holes are very real - particularly when it comes to pitch selection. Kim has shown a tendency to chase pitches below the zone, and when he does get pitches to hit, he’s not making enough quality contact in the strike zone to compensate.
Still, there’s a lot to like. Defensively, Kim is already playing at a big-league level.
His speed and glove are legitimate assets, and the Dodgers continue to praise his work ethic and willingness to make adjustments. That last part matters - especially in an organization that values adaptability as much as talent.
Spring training is shaping up to be crucial for Kim. The Dodgers want to see whether the swing adjustments he’s been working on can translate into more consistent at-bats. If he can tighten up his approach at the plate, particularly against right-handed pitching, there’s a real path for him to carve out a bigger role in 2026.
Interestingly, while there’s been talk of his struggles against lefties, the numbers tell a different story. Kim actually posted a .952 OPS against southpaws last season - a strong mark that suggests he could thrive in a platoon role or even earn more starts if he balances out his performance against right-handers, where he struggled with a .661 OPS.
The Dodgers have a deep roster, but they’re always looking for versatile players who can contribute in multiple ways. Kim fits that mold.
He just needs the bat to catch up to the rest of his game. If he can recapture even a fraction of the spark he showed at the start of his MLB career - and pair that with more disciplined plate appearances - he could be a valuable piece for a team with championship aspirations.
For now, all eyes turn to spring training. It’s not just about making the roster - it’s about proving he belongs in the lineup. And for Hyeseong Kim, this spring could be the turning point.