Dodgers International Signee Could Have Unexpected Start to 2025 Season..
As the Los Angeles Dodgers’ regular season is right around the corner, it is that time of the year when the organization has to start thinking about setting its roster. For the Dodgers, these decisions will have to come quicker as they’re gearing up to take on the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series. Among a plethora of offseason moves, the Dodgers signed infielder Hyeseong Kim to a three-year, $12 million deal and moved off longtime Dodger Gavin Lux. However, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts have not been committed to Kim’s role with the team. Kim was highly successful in the Korean Baseball Organization and has MLB-level defense and speed. Still, the Dodgers organization believes he may have to spend some time with the Dodgers’ Triple-A team to work out some kinks in his swing, according to Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times. Kim also hasn’t wowed anyone in his first MLB Spring Training. He is hitting just .071 in 16 at-bats, and with his inability to drive the ball, spending some time in the minors could benefit the 26-year-old. The Dodgers won’t be impacted all that much if Kim were to start the year in the minors, as they don’t lack depth up the middle. With Mookie Betts taking over short, that gives either Tommy Edman, Max Muncy or Kiké Hernández the opportunity to split time at second base.
Dodgers International Signee Could Have Unexpected Start to 2025 Season..
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has two positions he hopes to address before opening day.
Dave Roberts is gaining more of a feel for the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers. The manager is blessed with a lineup that looks like an MLB All-Star roster. But he identified two areas of uncertainty in spring training.
The uncertainty doesn’t surround the two notable injuries on the Dodgers. Including all-star catcher Will Smith. The two-time World Series champion skipper shared that the Dodgers are stacked everywhere except two spots, via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register Saturday. Roberts revealed which areas L.A. isn’t clear on.
“Dave Roberts today said Dodgers position-player roster/lineup seems ‘very clear everywhere but CF and 2B,’” Plunkett revealed via X, referring to center field and second base as the remaining positions of uncertainty.
Roberts then received a subsequent question involving how he’d go about the center field/second base situation.
“Asked if the CF-2B picture had changed since team arrived in spring training: ‘We’re still sussing it out. It’s pretty similar. Good question.’”
Who Dave Roberts should consider at both positions of need
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with manager Dave Roberts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
Fans immediately fired off one suggestion to Roberts on social media. They feel Roberts should roll with Tommy Edman at second base.
Edman serves as a utility player and outfielder on the Dodgers’ roster. But the former Stanford Cardinal has experience lining up at second before. He once earned the 2021 Gold Glove Award as the National League’s top defensive second baseman. That came during his St. Louis Cardinals run.
Edman arrived to L.A. on July 29, 2024 in a three-team deal involving the Dodgers, Cards and Chicago White Sox. He blasted the two-run home run in Game 6 against the New York Mets — catapulting the Dodgers to the World Series.
Andy Pages and Kike Hernandez rose as two more options among fans. The 33-year-old Hernandez has lined up at every position except catcher — making him ideal for both the CF and 2B need.
