Kim Hye-seong: Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Kim Hye-seong displayed confidence and determination, despite his team’s tough loss. Kim, 26, remained focused on proving himself through his performance rather than the final score. Starting as the No. 8 hitter and second baseman in Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in Phoenix, Arizona, Kim was eager to showcase his skills.
Kim’s first at-bat came in the bottom of the second inning, where he grounded out to third base. He followed this up with a walk in the fourth inning. Defensively, Kim was active in the field, making two putouts before being replaced in the fifth inning. Overall, his debut was relatively smooth, and he showcased his resilience by battling through full counts in both of his at-bats. He faced six pitches in the first and seven in the second, demonstrating his ability to make the pitcher work.
Despite the Dodgers suffering a 4-12 defeat, Kim reflected positively on the experience in an interview with the local broadcast team during the eighth inning. “I felt a mix of excitement and regret, but overall, it was a good experience,” Kim shared. As a player who recently transitioned from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to MLB this offseason, Kim acknowledged the differences in playing style and pace. He noted, “The pitchers here throw a bit faster than in the KBO, and the defensive positioning and team plays were a little confusing.”
Despite these challenges, Kim expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to the MLB environment. He praised his new teammates for creating a welcoming atmosphere in the clubhouse, which has helped him settle in quickly. However, Kim emphasized that adapting is only one part of his journey. He wants to prove his value through his skills and be ready for the regular season when the Dodgers take the field at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers will continue their spring training with another game against the Cubs on Saturday, as Kim looks to further demonstrate his readiness for the challenges ahead.