The Los Angeles Dodgers of the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) "official announcement" of their contract with Kim Hye-sung (25) and registered Kim on the 40-man roster.메이저놀이터

"We signed a three-year $12.5 million contract with utility player Kim Hye-sung on the condition that he can sign an extension contract between 2028 and 2029," the Dodgers said on the morning of the 4th (Korea Standard Time), adding, "Kim Hye-sung was included in the 40-man roster. We have taken measures to release POS Diego Cartaya to make a place (for Kim Hye-sung)."

Prior to this, US media, including AP, MLB.COM, and The Athletic, reported Kim Hye-sung's trip to Dodgers.

The Dodgers did not disclose the terms of the "plus two years" contract, but the U.S. media reported that "Kim Hye-sung could receive up to $22 million (about 32.4 billion won) for five years if he signs an extension contract with the Dodgers."

In the press release, the Dodgers introduced Kim Hye-sung's record in the KBO League for the 2024 season (0.326, 11 homers, 30 steals, 75 RBIs), the KBO record for the last six seasons (0.309, 32 homers, 280 steals, 339 RBIs), the record of winning the Golden Glove (2021-2024), and the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

The Dodgers also wrote on its social network service (SNS) in Korean, "Kim Hye-sung, welcome to the Dodgers!"

Kim Hye-sung, who succeeded in entering the U.S. through posting (closed competitive bidding), succeeded in entering the 40-man roster for now.

You must be included in the "26-person roster" to achieve the "Big Leaguer's Dream."

MLB.COM said, "The Dodgers saw Kim Hye-sung hit a double that hit the outfield wall directly against Bobby Miller (Dodgers starting agent) in an exhibition match against the Korean national team ahead of the Seoul Series in March last year. Kim Hye-sung won the Golden Glove Award, which is received by the best player in each position in the KBO League, for four consecutive years," and evaluated Kim as a "player with an air defense capability."

However, the Dodgers are 'star legions' that won the World Series last year.

"The Dodgers will use second baseman Gavin Lux and shortstop Mookie Betts as their main players," MLB.COM said. "In addition, Chris Taylor, Miguel Rojas, and Tommy Hyun-soo can also play as center infielders (striker and second baseman)," adding, "The recruitment of Kim Hye-sung has increased the number of center infielders for the Dodgers. Kim Hye-sung plays the same role as Taylor and Rojas."

Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes also said, "Kim Hye-sung's role as a utility between second baseman and shortstop is suitable."

Kim Hye-sung's realistic position contains the nuance of a "backup infielder."

There is also a media outlet that has a pleasant outlook.

When news of Kim Hye-sung's recruitment was heard, MLB Network included Lux and Kim Hye-sung's names in the Dodgers' 2025 starting lineup, "No. 9 Second baseman's Place."

This means that Kim Hye-sung can compete with Lux for the main second baseman.

Kim Hye-sung, who achieved her first goal, will start a survival competition from the spring camp in February to enter the opening roster.