Lux. The future will be clouded...Kim Hye-sung pays attention to his all-round ability → The green light for the ML championship team's competition has come in?

Jan 05, 2025

Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 16th. Team Korea Kim Ha-sung, who will play in the U.S. Major League Baseball World Tour Seoul Series, is training happily ahead of the warm-up match against the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.3.16/

MLB World Tour Seoul Series Special Game LA Dodgers and Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 17th. Lux is hitting a double in the top of the sixth inning with two outs and runners on first base. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.3.17/

"Kim Hye-sung is a utility player."

Kim Hye-sung (25, Kium Heroes) made his Major League dream a reality about three hours before the posting deadline on the 4th (Korea time).

He signed a 3+2-year, maximum 22 million-dollar contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The three-year total of $12.5 million guarantees reportedly included club options in 2028 and 2029.

The Dodgers are the 'strongest team' at the top of the World Series last year. It is also familiar to baseball fans in Korea. It is a team where Park Chan-ho, Choi Hee-seop, Seo Jae-eung and Ryu Hyun-jin were active. He also played the opening game last year with the San Diego Padres, Kim Ha-sung's team, 'Seoul Series'.

The Dodgers, which recruited Shohei Ohtani ahead of last season, have been at the top of the World Series for the first time in four years since 2020. In addition to Ohtani, there are many former MVPs such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. The infield is full of quality players such as Betts, Tommy Edman, Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor and Miguel Rojas.

Kiwoom Kim Hye-sung, the second baseman's defense award, is speaking at the 2024 KBO Awards held at Lotte Hotel World on the 26th. Jamsil = Reporter Heo Sang-wook wook@sportschosun.com /2024.11.26/

Kim Hye-sung played as a top infielder with 'universal defense', winning the Golden Glove for the second baseman and shortstop position for the first time in the KBO League. However, the level of Major League Baseball is different. It is a situation in which a fierce competition for survival is needed.

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said, `I'm really happy to have Kim Hye-sung. Kim Hye-sung smiled, saying, "He is a runner who can go one more base, a defender who can play various positions, and a player who has strength in hitting." However, as for how to use it, "We will continue to talk while we wait and see how the situation goes."

In the midst of this, opinions positively viewed Kim Hye-sung's settlement in the Dodgers. specialize in the news of the DodgersJustification' means that Kim Hye-sung came to LA immediately after signing the contract, which means he has a versatile infielder that can be used throughout the diamond. Kim Hye-sung said, "It provides diversity to Dodgers baseball, which also means the Dodgers' desire to win next season."

San Diego Padres Kim Ha-sung talks with his opponent Lux after successfully stealing a base in the top of the fourth inning of the MLB Seoul Series LA Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 21st. Gocheok = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.3.21/

Kim Hye-sung's strongest competitor is Gavin Lux. Last year, he played in 139 games and recorded a batting average of 251 with 10 home runs and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of 0.703. Although he has good attack power, he is said to be somewhat disappointed in defense.

Kim Hye-sung had a batting average of 335, seven home runs, 57 RBIs, and 25 steals, with an OPS of 0.841 last year. It is highly likely that the overall offensive figures in the Major League will fall, but stable defense and fast feet are expected.

However, in the competition between Kim Hye-sung and Lux, Kim Hye-sung gained the upper hand. It is likely that Kim Hye-sung will play second base for the Dodgers. Lux has been rumored to be traded throughout the offseason, but remains the team's main second baseman for now. The addition of Kim Hye-sung could also cloud Lux's future.

The media continued 'Kim Hye-sung is a utility player. I expected the Dodgers to be able to play his role creatively.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.