The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant move by signing infielder Hyeseong Kim to a three-year contract with a guaranteed $12.5 million. The deal includes a two-year option for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, making it potentially worth up to $22 million for the 25-year-old infielder.
The Dodgers officially announced the signing on Friday, confirming earlier reports that Kim would be joining the team. In order to accommodate Kim on the roster, the Dodgers have designated catcher Diego Cartaya for assignment. Cartaya, a 23-year-old catcher, was previously considered a top prospect but struggled in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with utility player Hyeseong Kim on a three-year contract for $12.5 million with a two-year club option for 2028 and 2029. The Dodgers designated catcher Diego Cartaya to make room on the 40-man roster.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 3, 2025
Kim became available for negotiations with MLB teams after being posted on Dec. 5. The deadline for teams to finalize a deal with Kim was set for 5 p.m. ET on Friday.
Having played six seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes in the KBO, Kim was the first player from South Korea and Japan to be posted this offseason. He has been training in Los Angeles for the past month in preparation for his transition to MLB.
During his recent season with the Heroes, Kim showcased his skills by hitting 11 home runs, driving in 75 runs, stealing 30 bases, and maintaining a .326 batting average. He has consistently performed well, hitting over .300 for four consecutive seasons and achieving at least 20 stolen bases for seven seasons in a row.
Throughout his career, Kim has compiled impressive stats with a .304/.364/.403 slash line, 386 RBI in 953 games, and a league-leading 211 stolen bases since 2018. He is also a three-time recipient of the KBO Fielding Award, winning in 2021 at shortstop and in 2022 and 2023 at second base.
After observing Kim’s performance in an exhibition game against Korean All-Stars, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Kim’s abilities, particularly his agility and defensive skills.
“Our scouts like the second baseman: just the way his body moves. There’s some life to the bat and defensively (he) made a nice play out there,” Roberts said. “There’s good baseball players all over the world and so this is just another chance for us to see them and for them to match themselves against us.”
With the addition of Kim and the re-signing of Teoscar Hernández, the Dodgers have reached the 40-man roster limit, necessitating a roster move. Given Mookie Betts’ presence at shortstop and Gavin Lux at second base, Kim is expected to play a utility role for the team.
Kim is the fifth player from the Kiwoom Heroes to join an MLB team, following Kang Jung-ho (Pittsburgh Pirates), Park Byung-ho (Minnesota Twins), Ha-seong Kim (San Diego Padres), and Jung-hoo Lee (San Francisco Giants).
If Kim had not signed with an MLB team, he would have returned to the Heroes and would not be eligible for posting again until after November 1, 2025.