Hyeseong Kim may not be the flashiest of Los Angeles Dodgers additions from their historic offseason, but just two weeks into spring training he is already making his presence felt.
With the Dodgers’ trade of Gavin Lux to the Reds this winter, Kim appears poised to assume the role of the team’s regular second baseman. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers are maintaining a flexible approach with the seasoned KBO infielder. As reported by Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, the Dodgers intend to evaluate Kim’s capabilities in center field during spring training. While Kim, 26, has primarily played second base throughout his career, he also possesses considerable experience at shortstop, along with brief appearances in the corner outfield positions and at third base.
Will Kim be able to play shortstop, third base, and the outfield well enough to develop into the utility player the Dodgers envision? Or will his potential defensive shortcomings at those spots relegate him to second base?
Los Angeles Dodgers Short Stop Predicts Gold Glove For Hyeseon Kim

While definitive answers to the Dodgers’ roster questions may take weeks, or even months, to materialize, veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas has gained a clear understanding of at least one aspect of Kim’s role after two weeks of spring training.
“He can be a Gold Glove Award winner, a Platinum Glove winner, at second base — I can tell you that right now,” Rojas said. “The guy really makes the plays. He seems really athletic. He turns double plays really well. He’s not flashy at all. He just catches the ball and makes the play. I’m excited. He has the opportunity to do something special.”
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The harder transition for Kim, a left-handed hitter with a .304 batting average over six-plus KBO seasons, to Major League Baseball raises key questions about his adaptability and offensive potential. Specifically, can the 5-foot-10, 176-pound infielder effectively manage the increased velocity and more complex breaking and off-speed pitches prevalent in the American league? Furthermore, will his power output increase in the majors, exceeding his 37 home runs and 150 doubles in 953 KBO games, or will he maintain his reputation as a contact-oriented hitter who relies on speed?