After starting the season in Triple-A, utility Hyeseong Kim has impressed the Los Angeles Dodgers infield and first base coach with his performance at shortstop this season.
With Gold Glove shortstop Mookie Betts out with a right oblique strain, Kim has started in 22 games at shortstop for the Dodgers since April 5. Kim has made eight double plays and just three hours so far this season.
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Dodgers infield and first base coach Chris Woodward drew a comparison between Kim and five-time Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Andrelton Simmons. The shortstop won those five DPOY awards and four Gold Gloves during his career with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels between 2012-20.
“The talent he has, the work ethic, all the things combined, I’ve never seen a package quite like that,” Woodward said, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “I think Simmons at his peak was probably similar. The arm strength, the quickness, he might have been the best I’ve ever seen.
“But Kim’s work ethic is off the charts. I have to tell him to stop. He wants to go, go, go. The speed, the arm strength, there are certain things he does that I can’t teach, mechanically. His hips are so mobile. He can be completely across his body and still throw a ball 100 mph across the field. And you’re like, ‘That doesn’t make any sense.’”
Kim is only in his second season in MLB after joining the Dodgers last season. He will remain under contract with Los Angeles through the 2027 season, then the Dodgers will have to decide whether or not to exercise his two-year club option.
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If the Dodgers exercise his club option, he will be owed $5 million in 2028 and 2029.
Photo Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
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