Los angeles: Following an injury-plagued rookie season that saw him participate in fewer than half of his team's games, Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kim Hye-seong expressed his determination on Wednesday to remain in the majors for the entirety of the 2026 season. "Because of an injury, I didn't get to play the full season in the majors. This year, my goal is to stay healthy and remain on the roster all year," Kim stated at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before leaving for Los Angeles for offseason training. "My mindset is different than this time a year ago. I know what I need to work on and I will have to be better than last year no matter what."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim signed with the Dodgers in January 2025, with expectations that his defensive versatility and contact ability would aid his career. However, he began the season in the minors. He debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) in May, only to be sidelined in late July due to left shoulder bursitis. At that time, Kim was batting .304 but concluded the season with a .280 average over 71 games.
Kim acknowledged areas for improvement and emphasized his focus on enhancing his hitting skills. The Dodgers attempted to modify Kim's swing during spring training, and although it required time in the minors to adjust to the new mechanics, it enabled him to start strong in 2025. "I haven't changed anything for this year. I will just try to maintain the changes I made last year," he remarked.
On the defensive side, Kim primarily played second base, while also taking positions at shortstop and in center field. "I am trying to stay ready to play different positions," he mentioned. "I think my job is to be prepared to play well no matter where I am asked to play."
Kim recently returned from the South Korean national team's training camp in Saipan, in preparation for the World Baseball Classic. Although the final roster is due in early February, Kim is expected to be the starting second baseman. With two other MLB players, Kim Ha-seong of the Atlanta Braves and Song Sung-mun of the San Diego Padres, ruled out of the tournament due to injuries, Kim is expected to fill the void. "I'm probably not old enough to be a leader of the national team now, but as a bridge between older players and younger guys, I think I have to lead the way with my actions," Kim said. "If I make the national team, I will try to let my actions on the field do the talking."