Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Says Hyeseong Kim Has Earned More Playing Time

Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Says Hyeseong Kim Has Earned More Playing Time

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made headlines this week when he publicly acknowledged that rookie infielder Hyeseong Kim has “earned the right to see more playing time,” following a string of impressive performances in June. The 22-year-old South Korean phenom, who joined the Dodgers organization this past offseason after signing from the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes, has quickly become a fan favorite and a hot topic within baseball circles.

Though Kim wasn’t expected to be a major contributor in his first MLB season, his poise, versatility, and timely hitting have forced the Dodgers’ coaching staff to reevaluate his role. Roberts’ latest comments signal a shift from spot duty to something closer to a regular role for the dynamic young talent.

A Rising Star From the KBO to MLB

Hyeseong Kim came into the Dodgers system with high expectations, especially after a stellar 2023 campaign in the Korean Baseball Organization. With the Kiwoom Heroes, Kim hit .325 with 17 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases. Scouts were impressed with his speed, baseball IQ, and mature approach at the plate—traits that have translated surprisingly quickly to Major League Baseball.

Initially projected to begin the year in Triple-A Oklahoma City, Kim dazzled during spring training and made the Opening Day roster. Though he started slowly in April, his production has surged since late May. In his last 18 games, Kim is batting .333 with a .410 on-base percentage, including 3 home runs, 4 doubles, and 11 RBIs. More impressively, he has struck out just five times in his last 62 plate appearances.

“He’s a tough out,” said Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates. “He doesn’t chase, he puts the ball in play, and he’s not afraid of big moments. That’s rare for a kid his age.”

Roberts’ Vote of Confidence

Dave Roberts, who has often been deliberate in giving young players time to acclimate, appears to have changed course when it comes to Kim.

“He’s earned it,” Roberts said before the team’s latest series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. “He’s been a spark whenever he’s in the lineup. He gives us good at-bats, he runs the bases well, and he plays the game the right way.”

Roberts pointed specifically to Kim’s defensive versatility as a major asset. While his natural position is shortstop, Kim has appeared at second base, third base, and even left field, giving the Dodgers critical flexibility as they navigate injuries and underperformance from other roster spots.

“When you can plug a guy in anywhere and trust he’s going to execute, that’s invaluable,” Roberts said. “He’s forcing our hand, and that’s a good thing.”

The Numbers Back It Up

Kim’s advanced metrics suggest his breakout isn’t a fluke. He has a hard-hit rate of 41.7%, a walk rate of 10.8%, and a +4 Outs Above Average on defense—among the best for infielders with fewer than 200 innings played this season. His WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is already above 1.3 despite fewer than 100 plate appearances.

Statcast data reveals that Kim is not just putting the ball in play but doing so with solid contact. His average exit velocity ranks in the 73rd percentile among rookies, and he has an elite sprint speed of 29.1 ft/sec, making him a dual threat on the basepaths and in the field.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet,” said third baseman Max Muncy. “He’s just starting to get comfortable, and already he’s making a huge impact.”

Clubhouse Chemistry and Mentorship

Beyond his performance, Kim has earned respect in the clubhouse for his work ethic and humility. Though he speaks limited English, teammates and coaching staff praise his communication and desire to learn.

Veteran shortstop Mookie Betts, who has taken Kim under his wing, said the young infielder reminds him of “a young Jose Altuve with smoother hands.”

“He’s got the same energy and discipline,” Betts said. “But what sets him apart is his feel for the game. He knows what to do in almost every situation.”

The Dodgers have also enlisted a full-time Korean translator and cultural liaison to help Kim integrate more smoothly into the clubhouse environment. Kim has made it clear he is here to contribute and grow—not just to enjoy the spotlight.

“I’m grateful to be here and help the team win,” Kim said through his translator. “I want to keep working hard and getting better every day.”

Roster Implications

With Kim proving he belongs, the Dodgers face a few questions regarding their infield rotations. Veteran infielder Chris Taylor has struggled at the plate this season (.181 average with a 36% strikeout rate), and rookie Miguel Vargas has seen inconsistent playing time. Roberts hinted that Kim’s emergence could affect how playing time is distributed moving forward.

“We’ve got a lot of guys competing, and that’s a good problem,” Roberts said. “But Hyeseong’s earned the right to be in that conversation every day.”

One potential solution could involve giving Kim more time at second base while resting Betts or sliding Betts back to the outfield in certain matchups. The team may also consider shifting Max Muncy to designated hitter more frequently to open up space for Kim at third.

The Dodgers have also quietly considered optioning Miguel Rojas to make room for Kim’s continued development, though no decision has been made. With trade deadline rumors beginning to swirl, Kim’s emergence may allow the front office more flexibility in determining which veterans to retain or move.

What Teammates Are Saying

Pitchers are particularly appreciative of Kim’s presence in the infield.

“He’s got elite instincts,” said starter Tyler Glasnow. “He gets to balls a lot of guys wouldn’t even attempt. That gives you confidence to pound the zone.”

James Paxton echoed that sentiment, calling Kim “a vacuum at short and fearless on the basepaths.”

Even Shohei Ohtani weighed in, speaking through a translator after the team’s recent win: “He reminds me of players I saw back in Japan—guys who combine speed, bat control, and smart baseball.”

Fan Reactions and Media Buzz

Dodger fans, notoriously passionate about their prospects and young talent, have rallied behind Kim in a big way. His jerseys are quickly becoming hot sellers at team stores, and social media hashtags like #LetKimPlay and #HyeseongHype have started trending in Southern California.

Sports talk shows and baseball analysts are also weighing in. MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds praised Kim’s “maturity and efficiency,” while ESPN’s Buster Olney predicted Kim could be “the biggest under-the-radar rookie impact player of 2025.”

Broadcaster Joe Davis summed it up during a recent telecast: “This kid plays with grace, grit, and joy. He’s becoming must-see baseball.”

As the Dodgers continue their push for another postseason run, Hyeseong Kim may emerge as one of their most important assets—not just for this season, but for years to come.

Roberts emphasized that the team would continue to evaluate matchups and player health when making lineup decisions, but noted that Kim has now moved “from developmental to dependable.”

With a tough upcoming schedule that includes road trips to Milwaukee, New York, and Houston, the Dodgers will need depth, discipline, and dynamism—traits Kim seems to have in abundance.

“He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need headlines to shine,” Roberts concluded. “He just shows up, plays smart, and helps us win. That’s the Dodger way.”

Whether he’s flashing leather in the infield, beating out infield singles, or legging out triples, Hyeseong Kim has made one thing clear: he’s not just here to learn—he’s here to lead.