One week before Opening Day, the Dodgers still have a major roster question.
And right now, Hyeseong Kim is racing against the clock to fix his swing.
Dodgers Infielder Hyeseong Kim Searching for Mechanical Fixes After Quiet World Baseball Classic
As the Los Angeles Dodgers approach the final days of spring training, one roster battle is becoming increasingly intense.
At the center of it stands Hyeseong Kim, the versatile infielder who returned from the World Baseball Classic still searching for his offensive rhythm.
What once seemed like a clear path to a roster spot has suddenly become uncertain.
Now, with Opening Day approaching, Kim is working urgently to correct mechanical issues in his swing before the Dodgers finalize their lineup decisions.
A WBC Experience Filled With Mixed Emotions
Kim described representing Team South Korea in the World Baseball Classic as a memorable experience.
But from a performance standpoint, the tournament proved frustrating.
Across four games, Kim managed just one hit in 12 at-bats before South Korea was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Dominican Republic.
That lone hit, however, was unforgettable.
In one of the tournament’s most heated matchups, Kim delivered a dramatic game-tying two-run home run against Japan at the Tokyo Dome, electrifying the stadium and briefly shifting momentum.
Yet beyond that moment, consistency at the plate never arrived.
And when Kim returned to Dodgers camp, something immediately felt off.
A Swing That Suddenly Felt Different
After reviewing video of his at-bats during the tournament, Kim and the Dodgers coaching staff noticed subtle changes in his mechanics.
Those changes may have disrupted his timing.
“We noticed there were some changes compared to before I left,” Kim said through an interpreter.
The adjustments involved lower-body movement and bat path, two elements that are critical for generating consistent contact.
In baseball, even small mechanical shifts can dramatically affect results.
For Kim, the goal now is simple: return to the swing that made him a valuable option for the Dodgers earlier in camp.
Spring Training Struggles Continue
Unfortunately for Kim, the offensive rhythm he hoped to rediscover hasn’t fully returned in Cactus League play.
In a recent matchup against the Chicago Cubs, he finished 1-for-4, with a softly hit single.
He did contribute with his speed — stealing a base and scoring a run — but the Dodgers are still hoping to see stronger offensive production.
Kim understands the urgency.
“My WBC numbers weren’t great,” he admitted.
“So I want to make sure this last week I focus on my hitting also.”
With roster decisions looming, every at-bat matters.
Second Base Job Still Unresolved
Kim is competing primarily for the second base role, which remains open while Tommy Edman recovers from offseason ankle surgery.
If Kim earns the spot, he would likely share the position in a platoon with veteran Miguel Rojas, giving the Dodgers flexibility based on matchups.
Before leaving for the World Baseball Classic, Kim appeared to be the leading candidate for the job.
But his recent struggles have tightened the competition.
Another contender, Alex Freeland, hasn’t taken full advantage either — hitting just .118 this spring.
As a result, the battle remains wide open heading into the final week of camp.
Dave Roberts: Kim Currently “Out of Sync”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Kim is still working through adjustments.
“Right now, he seems out of sync with his swing,” Roberts said.
Still, Roberts made it clear the organization believes Kim can contribute.
“He obviously makes sense on our roster,” Roberts added.
“But he has to get into a good place where he feels confident that he can be productive.”
The same challenge applies to Freeland, leaving the Dodgers coaching staff with a difficult decision approaching quickly.
Other Dodgers Highlights This Spring
While Kim searches for his swing, several other Dodgers have delivered eye-catching moments in camp.
Kyle Tucker Continues to Show Power
New Dodgers slugger Kyle Tucker continued an impressive spring by launching a 390-foot two-run home run against the Texas Rangers in a split-squad game.
It marked his second home run of spring training, reinforcing the offensive impact Los Angeles expects from him.
Mookie Betts Impresses at Shortstop
Meanwhile, Mookie Betts showed off both power and defensive versatility.
Against the Cubs, Betts crushed a 414-foot home run to center field and later made a standout defensive play at shortstop — ranging deep into the hole before firing a strong throw across the diamond.
His ability to handle multiple positions continues to give the Dodgers tremendous lineup flexibility.
Jack Suwinski Makes Instant Impression
Outfielder Jack Suwinski, recently claimed off waivers before being outrighted to the minors, made his spring debut with the Dodgers memorable.
The four-year MLB veteran blasted a home run in the Cactus League game against Chicago.
Interestingly, Suwinski has historically hit well against Los Angeles during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a .314 average with five home runs against the Dodgers.
Final Week of Spring Could Decide Everything
The Dodgers now enter the final stretch of spring training with key decisions looming.
Tyler Glasnow is expected to make what may be his final Cactus League start as Los Angeles prepares for Opening Day.
Meanwhile, players like Hyeseong Kim know the remaining games could determine their place on the roster.
For Kim, the mission is clear.
Fix the swing.
Regain confidence.
And prove he belongs in the Dodgers’ lineup when the season begins.
Leave a Reply