The LA Dodgers' infielder Kim Hye-sung's big league retention has been confirmed.
Japanese sports media 'Daily Sports' reported on the 20th (Korean time) that 'the LA Dodgers registered outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who returned from injury, to the major league roster, demoting James Outman to Triple-A.' It added, 'Kim Hye-sung remained on the major league roster once again today.'
Kim Hye-sung's retention in the major leagues is an impressive achievement. There were discussions about the possibility of Kim Hye-sung being demoted to Triple-A due to the overlap of the return timelines of Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández, but his performance has been overwhelmingly strong.
'Daily Sports' evaluated, 'Kim Hye-sung has now established himself as a key consolidation for the Dodgers' top batting order, serving as a crucial table setter who creates opportunities in front of key hitters like Shohei Ohtani.'
Since being called up to the major leagues, Kim Hye-sung has recorded a batting average of .452 (14 hits in 31 at-bats) with 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 3 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.066 over 12 games. Although he struggled with a batting average of .270 in spring training, he has displayed overwhelming hitting, stable defense, and speed since his promotion, successfully competing for a spot on the roster.
In particular, Kim Hye-sung set a remarkable record of reaching base in 9 consecutive plate appearances after his debut. This ties the record for consecutive plate appearances reaching base since the Dodgers relocated to L.A.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers retained Kim Hye-sung's position by releasing veteran utility player Chris Taylor, who has 12 years of experience. 'Daily Sports' analyzed, 'The Dodgers were able to keep Kim Hye-sung in the major leagues due to Taylor's release.'
Kim Hye-sung contributes significantly to the team not only with his batting but also by playing second base, shortstop, and center field on defense. Given his recent performance and standing within the team, his major league career may just be beginning.
Having graduated from Dongsan High School, Kim Hye-sung began his professional career as a second-round pick in the 2017 draft by Nexen Heroes and has played in 953 games in the major leagues up to last year, recording a batting average of .304 (1,043 hits in 3,433 at-bats), 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs, 211 stolen bases, and an OPS of .767.
Last year, Kim Hye-sung successfully finished the season with a batting average of .326 (166 hits in 509 at-bats), 11 home runs, 75 RBIs, 90 runs, 30 stolen bases, and an OPS of .841, and pursued a move to the major leagues through the posting system, signing a contract with the Dodgers for a maximum of $22 million over 3+2 years.
[OSEN]