In the past, just as Kim Ha-seong of the San Diego Padres (Tampa Bay Rays) did, will Kim Hye-seong (Los Angeles Dodgers) break through the deep roster of the luxury team?

Major League Baseball's official website, MLB.com, reported on the 19th (Korea time) that the Los Angeles Dodgers have activated key lineup player Tommy Edman from the injured list and released Chris Taylor, who had long been the team's utility player, due to roster adjustments.

Taylor, who played a key role in the Dodgers' World Series championship, remained the longest-serving position player with the Dodgers after veteran backup catcher Austin Barnes was released recently. He had struggled with a batting average of .200 and 2 RBIs in 28 games this season, but few anticipated his release.

Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, noted, "This week is a very emotional one for all of us. Both Barnes and Taylor have been at the center of many important moments for the team," and explained the background of the dramatic roster overhaul by stating, "However, we remember that we lost the division title despite winning 106 games in 2021. The top priority for the regular season is the division championship. I believe that leads us to a favorable position for the World Series championship."

MLB.com assessed, "The Dodgers have once again made it clear through a series of roster moves that winning now takes precedence over emotions."

Taylor's release signified Kim Hye-seong's survival. Initially, it seemed likely that Kim Hye-seong would be demoted to the minor leagues when Edman returned from injury, but he showcased his competitiveness with a .452 batting average, 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 9 runs scored, and 3 stolen bases in 14 games in the big leagues, successfully defeating another competitor. When Kim Hye-seong joined the Dodgers, he had already succeeded in breaking through once when Gavin Lux was traded to the Cincinnati Reds.

MLB.com stated, "Taylor's release means that KBO League star Kim Hye-seong can continue to occupy a spot on the roster. Two weeks ago, Kim Hye-seong was classified as a temporary resource in the major leagues after replacing Edman, who injured his ankle, but he quickly proved his value. Kim Hye-seong is showing the ability to change games with his speed, solid defense, and contact skills that work against major league pitchers."

At the beginning of the season, the Dodgers' bench members were all right-handed hitters, including Barnes, Taylor, Kiké Hernández, and Miguel Rojas. However, with this roster overhaul, left-handed hitters like Kim Hye-seong and Dalton Rushing are expected to receive more opportunities. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized, "We are in a fierce standings race right now. It is also important to give opportunities to young players (like Kim Hye-seong) and help them grow."

Having defeated Taylor following Lux, Kim Hye-seong is strengthening his outlook for future starting competition. Just as his senior Kim Ha-seong established his position by winning the National League Gold Glove after joining San Diego and breaking through the star-studded infield with Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jake Cronenworth, attention is drawn to whether Kim Hye-seong can expand his presence in the renowned Dodgers franchise through breaking through.

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