Hyeseong Kim Responds to Questions About Why He Selected the Dodgers Over Larger Offers From Other Teams in Just Four Words…

The day was January the South Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim was signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers at a $12.5 million, three-year contract. Signing the 2B bolsters the team’s roster and boosts the lineup. Kim had grown up watching Japanese legends of the Dodgers dominating the MLB. He always dreamt of making a similar mark and breaking records. Did that influence his decision to go along with the World Series winner?

Reportedly, the Los Angeles Angels offered a much bigger amount to Hyeseong. But that was declined. Hyeseong Kim met Shohei Ohtani while training at the facility after traveling to the US. This interaction with the National League MVP might have interested him to join the Dodgers. So, would Kim’s signing influence another foreign star player? Say, Roki Sasaki? 

Hyeseong Kim’s signing gives a major boost to the Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers’ new second baseman, Hyeseong Kim, during an interview with his ex-KBO team said, “Well, they’re the Dodgers.” He added, “I was so familiar with the Dodgers, having watched Chan Ho Park and Hyun-Jin Ryu play there. And they’re the defending champions.” Evidently, Kim’s decision was greatly influenced by watching these South Korean icons. But that’s not just it! He also met the Dodgers’ designated hitter and a four-time MVP, Ohtani. And that was it! 

But the process was not as simple as it sounds. Another LA team was also interested in him – the Angels – ready to give him a $28 million, five-year contract. However, the deal was unsuccessful due to the non-guaranteed money and other uncertainties looming with Hyeseong and his representatives. Valuing the 25-year-old’s potential, the LA Dodgers took the advantage. Scoring 75 runs as a batter and stealing 30 bases during his stellar season with the Kiwoom Heroes, the addition of shortstop left-hander Hyeseong Kim makes sense, especially with Mookie Betts moving to shortstop from right field.

Despite being a second baseman, Hyeseong Kim’s experience at both left or right field, and third base significantly improves the Dodgers’ lineup, leading to trading Gavin Lux. But the club’s pursuits don’t end here! They are also keen on Sasaki; however, things have taken an unexpected turn.

Dodgers no longer a major contender to get Sasaki

Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki has been one of the most coveted international prospects in the MLB. However, it seems like the Los Angeles Dodgers are not the favorite anymore. It is not just because of the complex MLB international signing guidelines. Sasaki might not be a player to get influenced by Japanese stars. But if the latter isn’t the case, the New York Yankees can also be considered a major contender, with the presence of Masahiro Tanaka. Still, everything seems uncertain now because Sasaki is also in discussion with the Chicago Cubs.

Chicago wants to add Roki Sasaki to their rotation by pairing him up with left-handers Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. The reason? Well, Roki has an impressive record of 30-15, a 2.02 ERA, and 11.4 strikeouts per nine, with 524 batters in over 414 innings where he pitched. And the Cubs need a pitcher. So, the probability of him being on their team has indeed increased. But the speculations aren’t ending there!

Roki Sasaki is committed to greatness and learning over the financial benefits. This hints at an alliance with the San Diego Padres. Yu Darvish’s presence and the way he mentored Sasaki’s career increase the Padres’ chance along with the club’s West Coast location.  

So, would it be a reunion between a mentor and a mentee, or something afresh would begin with the Cubs? Or, would it be the Dodgers again to snatch the deal? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.