On May 7, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a resounding 10-1 victory over the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park, showcasing their offensive prowess. Among the standout performers was Kim Hyesong, who played as the "No. 8 Center Field" and continued to impress with 2 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 run in 4 at-bats. This marked his second consecutive game with hits, following a strong debut just two days earlier.
Kim, who was called up to the major leagues as a replacement for injured infielder Tommy Edman, made his first major league start on May 5 against the same Marlins team. In that game, he also recorded 2 hits, 1 RBI, and even swiped a base, proving that he can thrive under pressure. The 26-year-old has been described by fans and analysts alike as a "Korean comet," and he is certainly making a name for himself in the big leagues.
However, the excitement surrounding Kim's performance is tinged with uncertainty as reports from American media outlet Fansaided indicate that the Dodgers are considering bringing up another promising prospect, Alex Freeland, by June 1. Freeland, a 23-year-old infielder drafted in the third round (105th overall) in 2022, has been tearing it up in Triple-A, boasting a batting average of .291, 3 home runs, and 29 RBIs in 34 games this season. As a switch hitter primarily playing shortstop, Freeland is seen as a potential future star for the Dodgers.
Fansaided pointed out that Freeland’s success in Triple-A makes him a likely candidate to join the major league roster, especially with Edman sidelined. The outlet noted, "The Dodgers now have a promising shortstop who is crushing it in 3A. Freeland may come to the major league as a regular infielder soon, especially while Edman is out." This situation could mean that Kim's time in the spotlight is limited, as Freeland is expected to take over the role shortly.
The Dodgers' infield dynamics could shift dramatically with Freeland’s promotion, especially given the struggles of third baseman Max Muncy, who has been underperforming this season. Muncy's future with the team could be in jeopardy if Freeland proves to be a better fit for the Dodgers' needs.
Meanwhile, Kim's performance has not gone unnoticed. In the same game, Shohei Ohtani, playing as "No. 1 DH" for the Dodgers, had a productive outing with 1 hit, 2 runs, and 4 times on base, contributing significantly to the team’s victory. During the game, a touching moment was captured on camera when Kim offered his seat to Ohtani, demonstrating the respect and camaraderie among the players. American reporter Kirsten Watson remarked, "I was impressed by how much respect he showed," highlighting the mutual admiration between the two players.
Kim expressed his gratitude towards Ohtani after the game, acknowledging the challenge of adapting to the major leagues. "I'm not used to it yet. He's a big star," Kim said, adding, "He always calls out to me. That's why it's easy to adapt." This shows Kim's humility and eagerness to learn from one of the best in the game.
Despite his promising start, there are concerns about Kim's hitting consistency. Journalist Jonathan Inpenba from FanGraphs noted that there are significant challenges to address. Kim, who previously excelled in the Korean professional baseball league with a .304 batting average over 953 games, has struggled in his early days in the majors. In Triple-A, he recorded a batting average of just .252 with a strikeout rate of 24.4%. Inpenba stated, "There are major issues with his hitting. It is unlikely that his batting average or power will improve," suggesting that Kim may need time to adjust to the faster pace of MLB pitching.
Kim's versatility is one of his strong points, as he can play multiple positions, including second base, shortstop, third base, and center field. His speed on the bases is also a significant asset, with expectations that he could steal over 20 bases if he remains in the lineup throughout the season.
As the Dodgers continue their season, the competition for roster spots intensifies. With promising players like Freeland on the horizon, every game becomes crucial for those currently on the field, including Kim Hyesong. The battle for a permanent position in the major leagues is fierce, and Kim must capitalize on every opportunity presented to him.
In conclusion, as the Dodgers bask in their latest victory, the future remains uncertain for some players. Kim Hyesong's early success has been encouraging, but with the looming presence of Alex Freeland, every at-bat could determine who stays and who goes. The Dodgers' management will be watching closely as the season progresses, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding story.
