GG alone is expected to surprise three times, why Kim Hye-sung is the Dodgers' opening second baseman
Feb 11, 2025
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Major League Baseball's official website MLB.com predicted 26 players to enter the opening roster of last year's World Series winner LA Dodgers on the 11th (Korea time). Kim Hye-sung was proudly listed as the main second baseman. Enrique Hernandez, who emerged as a threat to Kim Hye-sung after the announcement of the one-year renewal agreement with the Dodgers on the 10th, failed to make the list of 26.
Kim Hye-sung agreed to a three-year guaranteed contract of $12.5 million (about 18.1 billion won) with the Dodgers on the 4th of last month, setting the stage for the U.S. challenge. If the club option to extend the two-year contract between 2028 and 2029 is implemented, it can receive up to $22 million (about 32 billion won). Kim Hye-sung may have wondered whether he would get a chance to show his skills because he was the Dodgers, the winner of last year's World Series, but he made the decision with weight to try on the uniform of the world's best team.
MLB.com is concerned with the background of selecting Kim Hye-sung as the opening second basemanWhen Juss signed Kim Hye-sung, he was expected to take on super utility duties. However, since the Dodgers traded Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds, they have secured enough opportunities to take second base. The second baseman explained that Kim Hye-sung won the Golden Glove three times in the KBO.
Kim Hye-sung drew attention as the first player in KBO history to win both shortstop and second baseman Golden Glove when he signed with the Dodgers. Kim Hye-sung first received the Golden Glove as a shortstop in 2021, and was recognized as the league's best second baseman by winning the Golden Glove at second base for three consecutive years from 2022 to last year. The U.S. media also compared shortstop Kim Ha-sung (Tampa Bay Race), who won the Gold Glove for the first time in Asian infielder history in 2023, and Kim Hye-sung.
One of the reasons Hernandez threatened Kim Hye-sung is his defensive ability to cover various positions. He can play stable defense in various positions at home and abroad, including outfield, second baseman, and shortstop.
The U.S. sports media 'ESPN' Hernandez is expected to spend most of his playing time at second base or center field. In particular, he expected that he will start when the opposing starting pitcher is a left-hander.
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When Kim Hye-sung attended the '2025 Dodgers Fanfest' on the 2nd, "I think defense is important." "It's most thrilling when defending to block points…" he said, showing his willingness to prove in the Major League why he wrote the first history in KBO League history.
MLB.com predicted on the opening day that the Dodgers' infield will be composed of third baseman Max Muncy, shortstop Mookie Betts, second baseman Kim Hye-sung and first baseman Freddie Freeman. The outfielders were Michael Confoto, Teoscar Hernandez and And Pazs.
Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor were among the bench and utility agents.
MLB.com added: "'Edman is preparing to play both infield and outfield as always, but he may need more as a center fielder. Rojas can play as a platoon with Kim Hye-sung as a second baseman, and he can play in other positions if necessary. Taylor explained that he will play again as the team's super utility man.
Shohei Ohtani was listed as a combined hitter. Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Rocky Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May were listed in the starting rotation.
Seven bullpen players were selected, including Anthony Banda, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia and Kirby Yates.
The catchers are Will Smith and Austin Barnes.
Hernandez was not among the 26 selected by MLB.com , but he is a difficult enemy who can threaten Kim Hye-sung at any time. It is especially strong in big games. Hernandez had a postseason career OPS of 0.874 and 15 home runs. Since 2021, his postseason performance has literally hit hard with a batting average of 0.352, seven homers and an OPS of 1.008. The point that the Dodgers, who are aiming for the top for the second consecutive year, cannot give up the most is Hernandez's ability to clutch in the fall.
Kim Hye-sung should not feel relieved while accepting the positive outlook of a credible media in the U.S. You must continue to prove your skills in the upcoming spring camp and make sure you establish your position in the team.
Kim Hye-sung didn't think he could easily get the main player from the beginning. He said, "(Position) is what the coach decides, and my goal is to prepare well as a player and become a player who helps anywhere. I want to do well so that I can contribute to the team and become a part of the winning team by winning the 2025 season"I am determined.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
