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Dodgers keep Kim Hye-seong off Opening Day roster despite strong spring training

Published: 01 Apr. 2026, 15:48 Updated: 01 Apr. 2026, 18:09

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Kim Hye-seong prepares to bat during the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, on July 12, 2025. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

The Los Angeles Dodgers excluded infielder Kim Hye-seong from their 26-man Opening Day roster and assigned him to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets, the highest tier of the minor leagues.

The decision surprised observers, given his strong performance in spring training. Kim returned to the Dodgers immediately after finishing the World Baseball Classic (WBC) quarterfinals and played nine games in the preseason, batting .407 (11-for-27) with one home run, six RBIs and eight runs scored. He also stole five bases in that span. However, his roster spot went to fellow second base contender Alex Freeland.

The move drew mixed reactions. Some questioned the decision to send Kim down despite his performance, while others speculated that his participation in the WBC — reportedly against the club’s wishes — may have affected the outcome.

There were aspects of Kim’s swing that need adjustment, the Dodgers said, citing his eight strikeouts in 27 at-bats during spring training.

“It’s a gut punch for sure,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “No one works harder than he does. You're proud that he went to the WBC to represent his country. But the driver is him playing six days a week and logging a considerable number of at-bats, which he wouldn't get here.”

Sending Kim to the minors was “probably the toughest decision of the spring,” Roberts added.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Kim Hye-seong pauses in the dugout prior to a spring training baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 21. [AP/YONHAP]

“I’m not thinking about the results,” Kim said in an interview with local media on Tuesday. “I’m approaching each day with the mindset of doing my best. Even after being told I was going to the minors, I just focused on working hard.”

The Dodgers gave Kim specific development goals after assigning him to Triple-A. Beyond maintaining a high batting average, the team wants him to improve his on-base percentage and develop defensive versatility by handling multiple positions. The team aims to use him as a utility player.

Kim has continued to perform well in the minors. Through three Triple-A games, he is batting .500 (7-for-14) with two RBIs and six runs scored, along with three strikeouts and one walk. Notably, he went 5-for-5 against the Albuquerque Isotopes, a Colorado Rockies affiliate, on Sunday.

Kim also said he does not regret participating in the WBC.

“I absolutely don’t regret wanting to participate in the WBC,” Kim said. “If there’s anything I regret, it’s only that I didn’t perform better.”

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KO BONG-JUN [[email protected]]