The Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent infielder Hyeseong Kim on Friday, despite offering less money and contract years than other franchises.
The Dodgers signed Kim just hours before his posting period deadline on Friday.
Although the addition of Kim is good news for the Dodgers, it raises questions about the fate of Gavin Lux, Kiké Hernández, and Chris Taylor, among others. All three players were part of the Dodgers’ World Series run this season. But, it’s possible at least one of them isn’t back in 2025.
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Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said at the Winter Meetings that eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts will return to shortstop for the 2025 season.
Betts would give them an everyday player at shortstop, which they didn’t have last year after Gavin Lux moved to second base.
However, Kim has played second base for the majority of his career. With Kim on the roster, the Dodgers may be more open to trading Lux, who has already been considered a potential trade piece this offseason.
In addition to second base, Kim has experience in left and right field. Moving Betts to shortstop opens up a spot in the outfield. Teoscar Hernández, Tommy Edman, and Michael Conforto will fill the three outfield positions, with Andy Pages likely taking the fourth spot.
That leaves no room for Taylor or Hernández.
Hernández is a versatile utility player who made appearances at every position except catcher and right field last season. But, Kim is also a utility player with a consistent bat and a knack for stealing bases.
The Dodgers reportedly plan to use Kim as a utility in 2025, which lowers Hernández’s chances of re-signing with Los Angeles. As for Taylor, it’s possible L.A. looks to move him entering the final year of his contract.
For what it’s worth, on Friday, Gomes said he didn’t feel the team needed to make any trades following the addition of Kim.
“I think it’s more that we’re adding a really talented player, and [then will] see where things play out,” Gomes said. “It’s helpful to have really strong pieces at a lot of different areas. So that’s how we’re viewing it right now.”
With Hernández being the only player of the three currently not on the roster, it seems unlikely he returns unless the Dodgers make a trade in the coming weeks.