It is no question that the Los Angeles Dodgers have a roster overflowing with talent.
It obviously takes an extremely talented roster to win a World Series, but Los Angeles has already been working to improve on their championship-caliber team since winning their eighth championship.
Friday afternoon, the Dodgers signed 25-year-old infielder Hyeseong Kim to a three-year deal after eight seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization. The contract has a two-year option that could take it up to $22 million in total value.
Kim batted .326/.383/.458 last season with a career-high 11 home runs to go along with 75 RBIs and 30 stolen bases for the Kiwoom Heroes. He has earned three KBO Gold Glove awards while predominately a second baseman, with experience at third base, shortstop, left field, and right field.
Dodgers executive vice president and general manager Brandon Gomes said at the Winter Meetings last month that eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts is planning on being the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop in 2025. This means that Tommy Edman would likely move to center field and Gavin Lux, considered a trade candidate ever since Gomes made this announcement, seemingly has a spot at second base.
It appears that Gomes is far from focused on finding a trade, rather enjoying the additional infield option the KBO standout brings.
“I think it’s more that we’re adding a really talented player, and [then will] see where things play out,” Gomes said Friday. “It’s helpful to have really strong pieces at a lot of different areas. So that’s how we’re viewing it right now.”
He was asked if he felt they needed to make any trades to clear room for Kim and responded, “We don’t feel like there’s anything necessarily that we need to do.” Especially with all the injuries the Dodgers endured in 2024, excess talent will prove to be invaluable.
Read more: What Does Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim Signing Mean for Kiké Hernández, Chris Taylor, Gavin Lux?
This also eases the tension regarding the future of utility man Chris Taylor. The 34-year-old is signed through the 2025 season with a 2026 club option. If there really are no trades to be done, then it would appear Taylor is set to be rostered for L.A.’s quest to a consecutive title.
Fellow utility man and fan favorite Kiké Hernández might not have the same outcome, though.
Although Hernández has made it clear he would love to rejoin the team — and the fans would surely welcome him back with open arm — the 32-year-old free agent may struggle to find a spot on this now infield-heavy roster.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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