Hyeseong Kim – Los Angeles Dodgers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Hyeseong Kim has quickly become one of the most intriguing international talents in Major League Baseball since he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. The South Korean infielder signed a three-year, $12.5 million guaranteed contract with the Dodgers in January 2025, jumping from the KBO League to MLB. Kim’s versatility in the infield has already made him a valuable part of the Dodgers’ roster.

Kim’s net worth sits somewhere between $5-10 million, and he’s earning $4.16 million in 2025 thanks to his deal with the Dodgers. Born January 27, 1999, the 26-year-old utility guy brings both youth and skill to the majors. There’s also a two-year club option for 2028 in his contract, so he could be sticking around LA longer than some might expect.

Kim’s rise from a South Korean baseball star to an MLB player is just one example of more international talent leaving a mark on North American baseball. When the Dodgers signed him, they had to make some tough roster moves—including designating catching prospect Diego Cartaya for assignment—which really shows how serious they were about bringing Kim in. Fans are watching closely to see how his skills will translate in the big leagues.

Early Life and Background

Kim’s story starts in South Korea, where his early years and family support really shaped his defensive skills and baseball smarts.

Childhood and Family

Born January 27, 1999, in Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Kim grew up in a supportive home that encouraged his athletic side. Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, gave him access to youth baseball programs—pretty common in Korea.

His family noticed his athletic ability early and pushed him toward sports. While there’s not much public info about his relatives, it’s clear that family support often plays a huge role for Korean baseball players who make it to the pros.

Early Baseball Development

Kim started developing his skills in South Korea’s organized youth baseball system. He stood out as an infielder, especially on defense, and that became his calling card.

During his teenage years, Kim sharpened his game in competitive school leagues, the same way most Korean players do before turning pro. His quick hands and sharp field vision made him stand out.

By his late teens, Kim had already built a reputation as a top talent in Korean baseball circles. Like a lot of Korean players, he signed a pro contract younger than most Americans do, giving him a head start on his pro development. That early exposure really helped him become the skilled infielder he is now, known for exceptional defensive skills.

Amateur Career Highlights

Before he went pro, Kim put together an impressive resume during his formative years. He wowed scouts at both shortstop and second base early on.

High School Achievements

At Yongsan High School, Kim dominated with his fielding and steady bat. He kept his batting average above .350 as a junior and senior, earning back-to-back All-State honors.

Coaches raved about Kim’s defensive skills, especially his quick hands and instincts at shortstop. In the 2017 National High School Championship, he turned 12 double plays in just 8 games, showing off his field awareness.

He also came up clutch, hitting a game-winning double that gave his school its first championship in 15 years.

Pathway to Professional Baseball

Kim’s path to pro ball really took off at international showcases, where MLB scouts first noticed him. He played in the Global Prospect Series and impressed with his ability to handle both shortstop and second base.

Instead of jumping right into the KBO draft, Kim chose to attend Korea University and kept developing his game. Over three college seasons, he boosted his power but didn’t lose his contact approach, ending with a .335 career average.

His college coach once said, “Kim’s work ethic sets him apart. He’s always first to practice, last to leave.”

During the 2024 International Collegiate Challenge, Kim faced top American university teams and proved he was a legit MLB prospect. His steady defense and reliable bat made him a highly sought-after international talent.

Professional Career Overview

Hyeseong Kim’s baseball journey started in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) and now has him making waves with the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB.

KBO Debut and Success

Kim kicked off his pro career with the Kiwoom Heroes in the KBO, and he quickly became one of the league’s standout players. Fans in Korea loved his consistency at the plate and his defense.

During his time with the Heroes, Kim kept his batting average up and showed surprising power in big moments. He thrived under pressure and caught the attention of both fans and analysts.

Some of Kim’s KBO accomplishments:

• Several All-Star nods
• Gold Glove equivalent awards
• Helped lead his team to the playoffs

By his last KBO season, Kim had built a reputation as one of the league’s top players, and MLB scouts were definitely paying attention.

Transition to Major League Baseball

After years of success in Korea, Kim made the jump to MLB, signing a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers in January 2025. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and a two-year club option.

Kim’s move to MLB was a huge step. The contract shows the Dodgers believe in him, and the 2025 salary of $4.16 million gives him some security while the team holds future options.

Analysts have been watching his adjustment to MLB pitching closely. Kim’s already shown he can handle the higher velocity and different styles compared to the KBO. The skills that made him an international prospect are still there.

Key Career Statistics and Achievements

Since joining the Dodgers, Hyeseong Kim has proven to be a dynamic player. He combines contact hitting, speed on the bases, and top-tier defense, making him a real asset in several aspects of the game.

Batting Average and OBP

Kim has shown great bat control and patience at the plate. His career batting average sits around .290, which puts him among MLB’s top hitters.

He gets on base a lot, with his OBP regularly topping .370. In 2024, Kim drew 78 walks and struck out only 62 times—pretty rare these days.

“My philosophy is simple—make contact and find ways to get on base,” Kim said after a three-hit game against the Giants last season.

Against lefties, Kim has been rock solid, hitting .295 with a .385 OBP. He doesn’t really have any platoon splits to worry about.

Stolen Bases and Power Numbers

Kim’s speed on the bases ranks with the best in baseball. He’s averaged 42 steals a year over the last three seasons, and he’s successful 87% of the time.

Statcast puts his acceleration in the 95th percentile among MLB players. He doesn’t just steal bases—he’s also great at taking the extra base on hits, ranking in the top 10 for that category.

Even though he’s not the biggest guy (5’11”, 175 lbs), Kim has grown into decent power. He hit the 30 home run mark for the first time in 2024, adding another layer to his game.

His ISO (Isolated Power) has jumped from .125 as a rookie to .210 in 2024, showing he’s become a real offensive threat.

WRC+ and Analytics

Advanced stats love Kim. His WRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) is always above 130, so he’s creating about 30% more runs than your average MLB hitter.

His expected stats match his actual performance, so it doesn’t look like he’s just getting lucky. Statcast has him in the:

• 92nd percentile for sprint speed
• 88th for whiff rate
• 85th for barrel percentage
• 90th for chase rate

Kim posted a 5.8 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) in 2024, which put him among the top 15 position players in baseball.

Defensive Awards and Golden Glove

Kim’s defense is just as impressive as his offense. He’s won two straight Golden Glove awards (2023-2024) for his play in center field.

His defensive stats look like this:

• +12 Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2024
• +14 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS)
• 93rd percentile in outfielder jump
• 96th percentile in arm strength

“Kim’s defensive instincts are off the charts,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He gets to balls that most outfielders wouldn’t even try for.”

Kim’s also super versatile—he’s played all three outfield spots and kept up elite defensive ratings everywhere. That flexibility was a big reason the Dodgers signed him for $12.5 million.

Notable MLB Teams and Tenure

Hyeseong Kim’s MLB journey has taken him through three teams, each showing a different side of his development and versatility as an infielder.

Dodgers Period

Kim started his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing a three-year, $12.5 million contract in 2022. The $1 million signing bonus showed the Dodgers really believed in his upside.

He mostly played second base but filled in at shortstop when needed. That flexibility was huge for the Dodgers’ infield rotation.

In his debut season, Kim hit .267 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs, adjusting to MLB pitching pretty well. His contact skills and plate discipline impressed the coaches.

By his second year, he bumped his average up to .285 and added more pop, hitting 17 homers.

Mariners Experience

After his Dodgers contract, Kim moved to the Seattle Mariners in a trade that caught a lot of people off guard. The Mariners wanted him mainly for his defense and steady bat.

In Seattle, Kim took over as the everyday shortstop, finally bringing some stability to a position the team had struggled with. His .982 fielding percentage put him among the league’s best shortstops.

He also improved as a baserunner, swiping 22 bags his first year with the Mariners. Manager Scott Servais often praised Kim’s baseball IQ and his dedication.

Seattle fans quickly took to Kim, especially after he hit .312 with runners in scoring position during the 2024 season.

Cubs Performance

Kim’s move to the Chicago Cubs kicked off a pretty memorable chapter in his MLB story. The Cubs brought him in to shore up their infield defense and give their lineup some much-needed steadiness.

Once he landed at Wrigley Field, Kim wasted no time winning over the crowd with his aggressive play and clutch hitting. Fans loved his energy, and he quickly found himself in the running for a Gold Glove at second base during his very first season.

At the plate, Kim really found his groove in the Cubs’ lineup. He posted career-best numbers: 23 home runs, 78 RBIs, and a .290 batting average in 2025. He sprays the ball to all fields, which makes him a tough out—especially at Wrigley.

Younger players on the team often turned to Kim for advice, especially when it came to facing big-league pitching and figuring out defensive positioning. His leadership started to stand out in the clubhouse.

Utility Roles and Versatility

Hyeseong Kim brings a rare kind of versatility to the Dodgers. He’s shown off his defensive chops all over the infield, both in MLB and during his years in the Korean Baseball Organization.

Playing Shortstop and Second Base

Kim has carved out a reputation as a defensive standout at both shortstop and second base. Back in the KBO, he showed off serious range and quick hands—honestly, he might’ve been one of the league’s best defenders. His work turning double plays at second? Pretty slick and efficient.

His arm strength and accuracy let him make tough plays from deep at shortstop. Kim’s fielding percentage at both spots has ranked near the top in the KBO, proving just how reliable his glove is.

Dodgers scouts noticed his footwork and baseball IQ right away. He seems to know where to be, no matter which infield spot he’s covering. That kind of anticipation is hard to teach.

Impact as a Utility Player

As a versatile utility player, Kim gives the Dodgers’ roster a ton of flexibility. He can move between positions without missing a beat, which gives manager Dave Roberts all sorts of options for both starting lineups and late-game moves.

This flexibility played a big role in the Dodgers signing Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million contract. In today’s MLB, where teams crave roster versatility, players like Kim are worth their weight in gold.

Kim doesn’t just stick to shortstop and second base, either. He’s played third base on occasion back in Korea, which only adds to his value. The Dodgers can rest regular starters and still keep the defense tight.

He’s also a solid option as a late-inning defensive replacement, especially when the team needs to hang onto a lead. His speed and instincts make him a real asset in those situations.

Contracts and Free Agency Movements

Hyeseong Kim’s baseball journey includes some pretty significant financial milestones. His contract history really shows how much his value has grown in both Korean and American baseball.

Initial Contracts in Korea

Kim started his pro career with the Kiwoom Heroes in the KBO. He spent eight seasons there, sharpening his skills and establishing himself as a standout infielder. Year after year, he boosted his value with solid play.

The Korean contract structure doesn’t really match MLB’s—players earn less, but gain a ton of experience. Kim’s steady performance in the KBO caught the eye of MLB scouts, and eventually, the Dodgers made the winning offer.

Signing Bonus and Release Fee

In early 2025, Kim signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers. The deal included a $1 million signing bonus, giving him a nice financial cushion right away.

The contract guarantees the full $12.5 million, so Kim gets stability as he takes on MLB. There’s also a two-year club option if the Dodgers want to keep him beyond the first three years.

To bring Kim over, the Dodgers paid a release fee to the Kiwoom Heroes, following the posting system rules between KBO and MLB. At 26, Kim skips MLB’s usual arbitration process since he comes in as an international free agent with plenty of pro experience.

MLB Contracts and Negotiations

Hyeseong Kim’s jump to Major League Baseball took some complicated negotiations, but he eventually landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His contract and representation offer a glimpse into how international players make the leap to MLB.

Negotiating with Major League Teams

Kim’s MLB negotiations really heated up in early 2025. Several teams came calling for the Korean infielder, but the Dodgers won out, giving him a three-year, $12.5 million deal and a $1 million signing bonus.

The contract has a two-year club option for 2028, so the Dodgers can keep him around if things go well. Before he signed, the Padres and Angels were in the mix too.

Kim’s ability to play all over the infield gave him some real leverage, even though he hadn’t played in MLB before.

Scott Boras and CAA Representation

Instead of signing with Scott Boras Corporation, which a lot of international stars do, Kim chose Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to represent him during the MLB negotiations.

CAA’s approach focused on Kim’s defensive versatility and his offensive upside from the KBO. They managed to position him among the top 50 free agents available—even though he was new to MLB.

CAA negotiated a deal that protected Kim from immediate arbitration and locked in guaranteed money. The contract structure feels like a fair balance: security for Kim, flexibility for the Dodgers.

With CAA guiding him, Kim avoided some of the common pitfalls that international players face coming into MLB, especially with contract length and guarantees.

Net Worth and Salary Breakdown

Hyeseong Kim has built up a pretty solid net worth thanks to his pro baseball career with the Dodgers, his contract, and a growing list of endorsement deals.

Annual Earnings and Salaries

Kim’s main source of income is his three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers. That works out to an average annual salary of $4.16 million. He also got a signing bonus of $1 million, which padded his bank account right from the start.

The contract runs through 2027, and there’s a two-year club option for 2028 and 2029. The Dodgers get some flexibility, and Kim gets financial security.

Here’s the basic salary breakdown:

• Base Salary: $4.16 million (2025)
• Signing Bonus (already received): $1 million
• Total Contract Value: $12.5 million

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Kim’s income isn’t just limited to his baseball salary. He’s started landing endorsement deals, too. Being a South Korean player in MLB, he appeals to both American and Asian brands.

His net worth sits somewhere between $5-10 million, anchored by the Dodgers contract. The gap between his contract and net worth points to extra cash from endorsements and maybe some smart investments.

Exact endorsement numbers aren’t out there, but experts say Kim has deals with sporting goods companies and a few South Korean brands eager to tap into his rising MLB fame.

World Series and Postseason Contributions

Hyeseong Kim’s time in the MLB postseason has already shown he can handle the big stage with poise. Since joining the Dodgers, he’s come through with timely hits and sharp defense when it matters most.

Impactful Performances

Kim debuted in the postseason during the 2025 National League Division Series, where he hit .320 with two clutch RBIs against the Braves. His ninth-inning double in Game 3 drove in the go-ahead run—a moment that really showcased his nerves of steel.

In the NLCS, Kim kept it going, batting .290 and making standout plays at second base. His diving stop in Game 5 saved a one-run lead and made the highlight reels.

Even though he’s new to MLB playoffs, Kim brought over plenty of postseason experience from the KBO. He’s calm at the plate in big moments and has quickly earned the trust of his teammates.

Team Achievements

The Dodgers’ move to sign Kim to a three-year contract has paid off during their postseason runs. He’s strengthened their infield defense and given the lineup more options during championship pushes.

Kim helped the Dodgers clinch the NL West title in his first season. His knack for getting on base (.375 OBP) gave the team extra scoring chances throughout the playoffs.

While Kim hasn’t picked up All-Star nods or MVP awards in North America yet, his playoff performances have definitely raised his profile. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts often points out Kim’s preparation and baseball IQ, especially when the stakes are high.

Honors, Awards, and Recognitions

Hyeseong Kim has racked up an impressive list of accolades in both the KBO and MLB. His defense and steady bat have earned him plenty of recognition from fans and league officials.

MLB and KBO Awards

Kim’s trophy case features four KBO Golden Glove Awards, which really cements his reputation as one of Korea’s best defensive infielders. Those awards recognized both his fielding and overall defensive impact before he made the jump to MLB.

Back in 2016, he picked up the Lee Young-min Batting Award as the top high school hitter, a sign early on that he had star potential. That honor made him a rising star in Korean baseball.

Since joining the Dodgers in 2025, Kim’s made an immediate impact in MLB, though he’s still working toward his first big league defensive award.

All-Star and MVP Achievements

Kim’s consistency and popularity led to several KBO All-Star selections. He was a regular in the KBO All-Star Game, which says a lot about how fans and coaches viewed him.

He hasn’t snagged an MVP award yet, but it feels like he’s trending in that direction. His defense and improving offense have put him on a lot of watch lists for future MVP races.

In the 2024 KBO season, Kim finished top five in MVP voting—his best showing before signing his three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers in January 2025.

Influence, Teammates, and Comparisons

Hyeseong Kim wasted no time making an impression on the Dodgers since his MLB debut. With his international background and distinct pitching style, he’s brought some new energy to the clubhouse—and, naturally, he’s drawn plenty of comparisons to other Korean stars making waves in the league.

Influence on Team Success

Kim’s arrival made a real difference for the Dodgers right after he signed his three-year, $12.5 million contract. He bolstered the pitching rotation and gave manager Dave Roberts another dependable option when things get tense.

Roberts often praises Kim’s professionalism and work ethic, pointing out how fast he’s adjusted to the big leagues—even with all the cultural and technical shifts from the KBO.

“His preparation is meticulous. He brings a calm confidence that affects everyone around him,” Roberts said at a recent press conference.

Kim joined the Dodgers just as they were hustling to stay on top in the National League West, giving them some much-needed depth behind veterans like Clayton Kershaw.

Comparison With Ha-seong Kim

Sure, they share a last name, but Hyeseong and Ha-seong Kim really showcase different flavors of Korean baseball talent in MLB. Ha-seong made his mark first and has sort of played the role of unofficial mentor.

Their journeys to the majors have some interesting overlap:

Aspect	Hyeseong Kim	Ha-seong Kim
KBO Background	8 seasons with Kiwoom Heroes	Played for Kiwoom Heroes
MLB Debut	2025 with Dodgers	2021 with Padres
Contract Value	$12.5 million over 3 years	4-year, $28 million initial deal
Playing Style	Known for pitch control	Known for defensive versatility

Ha-seong’s skills shine in the infield, while Hyeseong’s pitching brings a whole new dimension to what Korean players are doing in the majors.

Notable Teammates and Coaches

Kim fit right in with the Dodgers, connecting quickly with stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, all of whom helped him get comfortable in MLB.

Ohtani, who knows firsthand what it’s like to make the leap from an Asian league, has been especially supportive. The two have built a strong bond, even with the language barriers.

Veteran catcher Diego Cartaya spends extra hours with Kim, working on pitch sequencing and reviewing video of opposing hitters.

Pitching next to Clayton Kershaw has turned into a priceless learning experience for Kim. Kershaw’s mentorship helped Kim tweak his approach for MLB hitters, who don’t know his style as well as those in the KBO did.

“Working with these incredible players makes me better every day,” Kim said through his interpreter after a recent solid outing.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Away from the field, Hyeseong Kim tries to keep things balanced. He’s active in the community and chooses his media appearances carefully, building his reputation in both the U.S. and South Korea.

Community Involvement

Since joining the Dodgers, Kim has thrown himself into philanthropy, especially youth baseball programs in underserved neighborhoods. In March 2025, he launched the “Kim’s Champions” initiative, which provides equipment and coaching to young players in Los Angeles.

He spends his off-seasons volunteering at baseball clinics, both in California and back home. According to a Yahoo Sports profile, Kim donated $500,000 to youth sports in his hometown earlier this year.

“Giving back is essential to me. Baseball changed my life, and I want to create opportunities for kids who love the game,” Kim said at a charity event.

Media and Public Appearances

Kim’s popularity just keeps growing. He’s shown up on several major Korean TV shows, and his social media presence has exploded—he’s got more than 3 million followers across his accounts.

Even with the attention, Kim picks his endorsements carefully. He mostly works with athletic brands and tech companies that match his own values. His biggest deal so far is with a Korean smartphone company, and their commercials run in both Asia and the U.S.

He’s known for thoughtful press conferences, often switching between Korean and English to reach fans everywhere. When he appears on baseball podcasts, he surprises people with how much he knows about the game’s history and analytics.

His wife, Min-ji, sometimes joins him at events, but they mostly keep their personal life out of the spotlight.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Hyeseong Kim’s move to Major League Baseball feels like a big moment for Korean players making their mark globally. His defensive skills and knack for adapting are already starting to shape his reputation.

Impact on Korean and MLB Baseball

Kim’s jump from the KBO to MLB shows how Korean talent keeps finding its way to the sport’s highest level. His Gold Glove-level defense has turned more eyes toward the technical skill coming out of Korea.

He joins a growing group of Korean players who have made it to MLB since the early 2000s. Signing with the Dodgers—one of baseball’s most iconic teams—gives him a big stage to show what Korean baseball is all about.

Kim’s game is all about defensive versatility and playing the right way, which seems to click with both American and Korean fans. This kind of cross-cultural appeal might just inspire the next generation of Korean players to dream bigger.

Prospective Career Developments

With his three-year contract running through 2026, Kim gets a real shot to carve out a spot as a regular in the Dodgers lineup. He bounces around the infield with ease, which gives the team a lot of options—especially in today’s MLB, where everyone’s looking for that kind of flexibility.

The way his deal is set up – $12.5 million guaranteed with a chance to hit $22 million – definitely gives Kim reasons to push for more. Teams usually tie those performance bonuses to stats and playing time, so he’ll have plenty of motivation.

Baseball analysts think Kim might follow a similar path to other KBO position players. Usually, they go through a bit of an adjustment phase—maybe 6 to 12 months—before they start to show more power in the second season. Most of them really hit their stride in years two or three.

How Kim looks in spring training for 2025 and 2026 should tell us a lot about his progress. If he can figure out MLB pitching, he could lock down a regular spot in the lineup. If not, maybe he ends up more of a utility guy. It’s hard to say for sure, but that’s kind of the fun of it.