Dodgers Reportedly Sign International Free Agent in Shocking Move

Valentina Martinez | Jan 3, 2025

Oct 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman speaks in a press conference before game one against the New York Yankees in the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Korean second baseman Hyeseong Kim on a three-year deal, per mutiple reports. It's for $12.5 million guaranteed, with a two-year option that could take it to $22 million.

Sources: Korean 2B Hyeseong Kim and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a 3-year deal.

In 9 seasons in the KBO, Kim has a .304 batting average with 37 HR. He can play across the entire infield. @DanielKimW and Korean media on it.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) January 3, 2025

Kim, 25, has spent the last eight seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization where he slashed .304/.364/.403 with 37 home runs, 386 runs batted in, 150 doubles, 39 triples, and 211 stolen bases. He stole a career-high 46 bases in 2021.

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In 2024, Kim recorded a .326/.383/.458 slash line with 11 home runs, 75 runs batted in, and an OPS of .841.

With the Kiwoom Heroes, Kim has earned three Gold Gloves at second base and shortstop. The addition of Kim to the Los Angeles lineup and middle infield is huge.

This says the Dodgers have signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim to a $22 million deal for 3+2 years.

I cannot confirm the validity of the report but it cites an official from CAA as the source.

Kim hit .326 with an OPS of .841 in the KBO last year. His signing deadline is today https://t.co/o8bZY8wkHg
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) January 3, 2025

Kim was posted by the Kiwoom Heroes last month and reportedly received several offers from clubs, including the Dodgers. Other teams that are reportedly known to have made him an offer include the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and Seattle Mariners.

The Angels reportedly offered Kim more than the Dodgers, giving him $28 million. However, Kim ultimately decided to join the reigning World Series champions instead.

The Dodgers adding Kim leaves the fate of second baseman Gavin Lux in the air. It's unclear how the Dodgers plan to utilize both Kim and Lux, but it could mean Lux is now a trade candidate.

The signing could also have implications for Kike Hernández's free agency journey this offseason, as Kim is a utility man who can play all over the diamond. .