Roger Arrieta
After months of development and adjustment, infielder Hyeseong Kim has officially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers at the big league level. The Korean rookie spoke with media before Tuesday’s game, sharing his excitement, growth, and perspective following his time with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
A Special Moment
Kim found out about his call-up in memorable fashion — announced by his Triple-A manager shortly after a game. He said the moment was filled with joy and excitement, and he quickly shared the news with his mother.
“I came here with a very happy and very exciting mindset,” Kim said. “I’m excited.”
Growth Since Spring Training
Since arriving in the U.S. for Spring Training earlier this year, Kim has gone through a full swing overhaul. He described major changes to his overall mechanics, especially involving his lower body, though he admitted it’s hard to pinpoint one specific shift.
“Compared to the first day I came here, it’s much better now. But I still have a lot of space to improve,” he said.
He credited hard work and repetition as the keys to his growing confidence.
“Right now, I feel very comfortable and confident. I’ve been working very hard.”
Embracing the Process
Despite not making the Opening Day roster, Kim maintained a positive mindset about starting the year in Triple-A.
“No, I wasn’t frustrated,” Kim said. “There were a lot of things I needed to work on. My mindset was just to work hard, and if I did that, I knew I’d get called up.”
His time in Oklahoma City wasn’t just about baseball mechanics either — he talked about enjoying the camaraderie with teammates and adjusting to life in the United States. One highlight? The food.
“I really had a great time with my Triple-A teammates. And I like the food here,” he added with a smile.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
While Kim wasn’t in the starting lineup Tuesday, manager Dave Roberts hinted that there will be opportunities for him to see Major League pitching soon — even if it’s in a utility role off the bench.
“This is more of a reward — a chance to get his feet wet,” Roberts said. “When he comes back again, he’ll be that much more prepared.”
As Kim embarks on his MLB journey, he carries with him the lessons learned, a willingness to adapt, and an eagerness to contribute. It’s clear he’s not taking any of it for granted.
“This is just baseball,” Kim said. “I’ve been playing it my whole life — and now I’m excited to play it here.”
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