Hyeseong Kim’s Historic Contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers: A Major Step in His MLB Journey.
Hyeseong Kim, the highly sought-after infielder from South Korea, made waves when he signed a landmark
contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, marking a significant milestone in both his career and the
growing presence of international talent in Major League Baseball (MLB). Kim’s deal, valued at $120 million over
six years, has not only secured his future with one of MLB’s most storied franchises but also demonstrates the
increasing emphasis on international players by major league teams looking to bolster their rosters with top-tier
talent from around the globe.
Kim, 26, is widely regarded as one of the top infield prospects to emerge from South Korea in recent years. His
success in the KBO League (Korean Baseball Organization) with the Kiwoom Heroes turned heads, as he
consistently demonstrated impressive power, speed, and defensive prowess. In his final season with the Heroes,
Kim hit .317 with 25 home runs, 85 RBIs, and stole 30 bases, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and versatile
player who could contribute in various aspects of the game. His ability to play multiple positions, including
shortstop, second base, and third base, made him a particularly attractive option for the Dodgers, who value
flexibility and defensive stability.
The Dodgers’ interest in Kim had been apparent for several years, with scouts monitoring his development in the
KBO closely. Kim’s combination of solid on-base skills, exceptional athleticism, and advanced fielding made him
a natural fit for the Dodgers’ philosophy of positional versatility and advanced analytics. His signing further
emphasizes the Dodgers’ commitment to maintaining their status as one of the most innovative and competitive
teams in MLB, seeking to integrate international stars who can contribute immediately to their roster.
The six-year, $120 million contract is a historic one for a South Korean player, as it represents one of the highest-
value contracts ever given to an international free agent from the KBO. The structure of the deal is front-loaded,
meaning Kim will receive a larger portion of his salary in the first few years of the contract, providing him
financial security early on while also giving the Dodgers flexibility to manage their payroll in subsequent seasons.
The contract includes performance bonuses tied to statistical achievements such as home runs, RBIs, and Gold
Glove awards, reflecting the Dodgers’ expectations for Kim to make an immediate impact.
A significant factor in the Dodgers’ decision to pursue Kim was his maturity and readiness for MLB competition.
Unlike many international players who come from lower-level leagues or have limited experience against top-tier
pitching, Kim has played against some of the best in the world, having faced MLB-caliber pitchers during KBO
exhibitions and international competitions. This experience, combined with his advanced baseball IQ, has made
him a player who is expected to transition smoothly into MLB.
The Dodgers have also shown a commitment to helping international players adapt to the rigors of Major League
Baseball. With an established infrastructure in place to assist foreign players in adjusting to life in the United
States, Kim will have the support system he needs to make a smooth transition. The Dodgers’ diverse clubhouse
culture, with players from various international backgrounds, will also help Kim integrate seamlessly into the
team dynamic.
For Kim, signing with the Dodgers presents an incredible opportunity to elevate his career and showcase his
talents on one of the biggest stages in baseball. Playing in Los Angeles—home to some of the most passionate fans
and media attention in MLB—will give him a platform to shine. As the Dodgers continue their pursuit of a World
Series title, Kim’s arrival is seen as a crucial step in solidifying their infield depth, adding a dynamic force who
can contribute both offensively and defensively.
Looking ahead, Hyeseong Kim’s contract with the Dodgers is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to
the growing global nature of Major League Baseball. With stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, and others
having paved the way for international players, Kim’s success in Los Angeles could inspire more talent from
South Korea and beyond to pursue their dreams of playing in the majors. As he embarks on this exciting new
chapter with the Dodgers, Kim’s journey is bound to be one of excitement and high expectations, both for him
personally and for the team’s pursuit of continued success on the national stage.
