The Los Angeles Dodgers surprised the world earlier this week by announcing that international signee Hyeseong Kim would start the season with AAA Oklahoma City. Kim was one of Los Angeles’s last signings, and he agreed to terms on a one-year, $12.5 million deal.
Many thought that the Kim move was great because he could play second base after the team decided to move on from longtime infielder Gavin Lux via trade. However, the Dodgers saw some flaws in Kim’s swing that may not translate well at the big league level.
Manager Dave Roberts revealed this week what went into the decision:
“The defense has been really good,” said Roberts. “And it was good to see him in center field. We feel that it’s most important for him to stay here, take at-bats, play in games to help him get ready for the season.”
There was always the potential that Kim would start the season in Triple-A just due to the nature and tenure of many players on the Dodgers roster. Also, there isn’t a need for him in the upcoming Tokyo Series, as the Chicago Cubs will be featuring two lefty starters in Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele.
Opening the season in the minors isn’t bad for the 26-year-old Korean; it will allow him to see more consistent velocity, and if he’s able to be successful at that level, he will likely be called up and get chances in the future.
The Dodgers didn’t pay almost $13 million to an international player just for him to play for their Triple-A club.
Two Trades With the Mets the Dodgers Should Consider
The Los Angeles Dodgers have more quality arms on their roster than any team could dream of. They have so many big-league arms that most fans assumed there would be trades from their depth by now.
Heading into the Japan series, there are at least 10 guys on the roster that could start a big-league game, and the Dodgers seem comfortable with that fact. But could they change their tune by Opening Day?
If they do decide to deal away some arms, the Mets should be the first team on the phone. They already had big questions around their rotation entering Spring, and things have gotten much worse.
Sean Manea and Frankie Montas are both likely to miss a chunk of time to start the season, and they don’t have much at the back end of their rotation.
If a deal with the Mets comes together, the Dodgers should consider moving Tony Gonsolin or Landon Knack. Gonsolin will start the year on the IL but should be back relatively quickly. And while Knack filled in when the Dodgers needed him most last year, he is already 27.
Gonsolin is set to make a very low $5.4 million this season and is under team control through 2026. And while he might not be a star talent for a rotation, you can’t beat his value. The Dodgers could end up landing a decent prospect in return.
And considering the Mets have a hefty payroll for 2025, they can’t afford to piece together a rotation. Neither of these guys is going to net the Dodgers a top prospect, and the team control left on both might deter them.
But if there is a deal to be made, it should involve one of them. Gonsolin offers an upgrade for the Mets over guys like Griffin Canning or Tylor Megill, and Knack could at least be good security.
As bad as he has been, Bobby Miller carries too much potential for the Dodgers to deal him away. His value is also far too low right now to even consider giving up on a guy with just over 1 year of service time.
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