Unfortunately, the bonus clause opened the way for Kim Hye-sung to take off as the main second baseman of LAD. Lux Cincinnati's surprise trade
Jan 07, 2025
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According to local media such as ESPN and MLB.com , the Dodgers sent Lux to Cincinnati on the 7th (Korea time) and made a trade to receive the 37th pick of this year's draft competition balance Round A and Mike Sirota, a promising outfielder.
The background of the trade was that the Dodgers needed to clear up the overflowing infield, and Cincinnati tried to strengthen its offense and defense through Lux.
The Dodgers recruited Kim Hye-sung, a utility infielder from the KBO, on the 4th to strengthen their otherwise thick depth. In this regard, it was predicted that one of the main second baseman Lux, backup Chris Taylor, and Miguel Rojas would be used as a trade card.
Regarding this, General Manager Brandon Gomes said in an interview with the LA Times, `It's good to have a strong track record in a lot of areas. That's what we're doing right now (including Kim Hyesung)How you look at infield depth..." he denied the trade rumors.
In reality, however, trade negotiations were underway. It's ' since the 6thJuss also exchanged terms with the New York Yankees over the Gavin Lux tradeSports Illustrated (SI), ESPN, and MLB.com were reported one after another.
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Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor, the same utility infielders, are also considered second baseman candidates. However, Rojas has 922 games of shortstop experience, far more than second baseman (87 games), and Taylor is not a professional second baseman as he is a utility that can see both infield and outfield.
Lux's annual salary was $1.225 million last year, and he is eligible for salary adjustment this year, but it is not burdensome. In other words, the reason why the Dodgers released Lux, which will be eligible for FA after the 2026 season, is not due to financial issues.
For Kim Hye-sung, who is more likely to get Lux out and secure the main second baseman, the contract with the Dodgers may be a little disappointing. It's because of the bonus clause.
Kim Hye-sung, who was guaranteed $12.5 million for three years, has no bonus clause during this period. However, during the two seasons from 2028 to 2029, which are tied to club options, they will receive a $500,000 bonus if they enter more than 500 at-bats every year. If you play full-time as a starting player, you can earn a million dollars in bonuses for two years. Therefore, if the Dodgers do not execute the club option for Kim Hye-sung after the 2027 season, it will be a useless provision.
On the contrary, the Dodgers' execution of club options means they have the right to hold Kim Hye-sung for another two years at a low price. The set salaries for 2028 and 2029 are only $5 million each.
However, it should be meaningful that Kim Hye-sung had an opportunity to take the main position in the Dodgers through this trade. It remains to be seen whether Kim Hye-sung will be listed as a starter in the lineup of the season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, in March.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
