The Dodgers just called up infielder Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City to step in for Tommy Edman, who’s out for a bit with a right ankle issue on the 10-day IL. Kim, a 26-year-old firecracker from South Korea, inked a three-year, $12.5 million deal this offseason and brings a slick glove, lightning-fast legs, and a bat that’s still getting comfy against big-league pitching. If you’re in a deep fantasy league and need a jolt of speed, Kim’s worth a look. Here’s the scoop on what he’s got and whether he’s a roster fit.

 

 

Hyeseong Kim Prospect Status, KBO & Minor League Stats

Kim, who hits 27 in January 2026, isn’t your usual prospect. He’s a seasoned pro after eight years tearing it up with the Kiwoom Heroes in the KBO, where he slashed .304/.364/.403 over 953 games, smacking 39 doubles, 37 homers, driving in 386 runs, and swiping 211 bags. His 2024 was his best yet: .326/.383/.458, 11 HR, 75 RBI, and 30 steals. A four-time KBO Golden Glove winner (one at short, three at second) and a 2022 Asian Games gold medalist (.292 with a .500 OBP), Kim’s not some raw kid—he’s a polished utility guy who won’t show up on Dodgers’ prospect lists but knows how to play.

This year in Triple-A Oklahoma City, Kim played 28 games, hitting .252 with a .798 OPS, 5 homers, 13 steals, a .217 ISO, and a 24.4% strikeout rate over 131 plate appearances. His first taste of the majors? Electric so far: 2-for-4 in three games, with a couple of singles, a run, an RBI, and two stolen bases. The speed’s legit, and he puts the ball in play, but his power’s modest, and he’s still figuring out MLB pitchers—spring training (.207 average, 11 Ks in 29 ABs) showed that adjustment.

Kim’s a high-floor guy whose glove and wheels will keep him in the bigs, even if his bat’s a work in progress. His KBO contact skills and Triple-A pop hint at a .240-.250 hitter with maybe 5-7 homers, but those 211 KBO steals and 13 in Triple-A scream fantasy gold for speed.

 

 

Hyeseong Kim & Current Dodgers Roster

The Dodgers’ infield is a tough nut to crack. Mookie Betts is glued to shortstop, Gavin Lux has second base on lock, and Max Muncy’s not budging from third. Throw in veterans Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor, plus Edman’s usual mix of center field and infield work, and playing time’s tight. With Edman down for a week or two, Kim’s getting a shot, mostly off the bench, with a few starts at second, short, or even center. Manager Dave Roberts is hyped about Kim’s speed, so expect him to pinch-run or swipe bags in big moments.

Kim’s a defensive wizard who can play second, short, center, third, or even left if you’re desperate, making him a lineup chameleon. But when Edman’s back, Kim might head back to Triple-A unless he’s lighting it up. With Rojas and Taylor hitting free agency after this season, there’s a chance for more at-bats down the road, but right now, he’s gotta make every swing count.

 

 

Hyeseong Kim Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Kim’s your guy if you’re in a deep league (15+ teams or NL-only) and your roster’s screaming for stolen bases. He nabbed 13 bags in 28 Triple-A games, 2 in his first 3 MLB games, and 211 in the KBO, including 30 in 2024 with an 85% success rate. If he gets 200-250 plate appearances, 15-20 steals is totally in reach—a lifesaver if you’re stuck in a speed drought. Plus, with eligibility at 2B, SS, and OF, he’s a roster-tinkering dream.

The catch? His bat’s not there yet. He hit .252 in Triple-A with a 24.4% strikeout rate, and spring training (.207/.303/.310) showed he’s still getting used to MLB heat. His KBO .304 average proves he can hit for contact, but at 172 pounds, he’s more about slapping doubles than launching bombs. Think 5-7 homers, tops. If Kim sticks around for 300-400 plate appearances, you’re looking at maybe .245/.310/.360, 5-7 HR, 20-25 SB, 40 runs, and 30 RBI. He’s a stash for deep leagues where steals are king, but don’t expect a batting average or power boost. Keep tabs on his role—Edman’s return could squeeze him out.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Hyeseong Kim’s a blast to root for if you’re in a deep fantasy league and need a speed fix or some roster wiggle room. His legs and glove make him a safe bet to stick in the majors, but the Dodgers’ loaded lineup and his so-so bat keep his fantasy ceiling low. 

Grab him in NL-only or 15-team mixed leagues for a shot at 20+ steals, but don’t count on much pop or a shiny average. His playing time’s on borrowed time with Edman healing up, so scoop him now if you’re feeling bold.