An important spot on the Dodgers team is open, giving player Hyeseong Kim a chance to make the main roster. The team needs a second baseman because Tommy Edman will miss the start of the season due to an injury. This situation means Kim, known for his skill in defense, is working hard to show he can fill this need. He has spent time getting better at his game, hoping to secure a spot for the Opening Day.
The situation began when Tommy Edman, a key player, needed surgery on his right ankle during the offseason. Reports confirm Edman will not be ready for Opening Day, creating an immediate need for a player at second base. Hyeseong Kim is now seen as a main option for this role. Last year, Kim had some time in the major league, but his playing time became less as the season went on. He started the year with the Triple-A team. Now, he is at spring training, working on his skills, including fielding in center field, and taking part in practice at second base. He says his main aim is always to improve.
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Key Details
Player in Focus: Hyeseong Kim
Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Open Position: Second Base
Reason for Opening: Tommy Edman is out for Opening Day with a right ankle injury.
Kim's Effort: Working on defense, aiming to be a better player.
Manager's View: Dave Roberts sees Kim as a strong choice for the second base spot.
Kim's Current Efforts
Hyeseong Kim is at Camelback Ranch, AZ, focusing on his preparation.
"I’m just trying to get better every day."– Hyeseong Kim, in an interview
He met with news people, keeping the talk on getting ready, growing, and welcoming the chance to compete for a team spot. Kim shared that his work during the offseason is always the same: to come back a better player. He wants to be a more complete player and knows what this needs. He also said that being back with teammates he knows makes him feel more comfortable than last year. He points to daily work and helpful advice from coaches as important parts of his growth.
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The Open Second Base Spot
The Dodgers are looking for a player to take over at second base.
"Tommy Edman won’t be ready for Opening Day for Dodgers, creating an opening at 2B."– From an article summary
Tommy Edman is not ready to play at the start of the season due to surgery on his right ankle. This opens a clear path for another player. Dave Roberts, the team manager, has named Hyeseong Kim as a good choice for the second base position. Kim has been practicing at second base during training.
Kim's Game Performance
Batting Numbers:
One view states, "His .280 MLB average suggests he is successfully timing Major League pitching." (Article 6)
Another report shows, "Kim's production dropped off, as he hit .202 with a .496 OPS in his final 43 games." (Article 1)
It is also noted that "His profile relies on making contact, and his swing wasn’t adaptable enough to make sufficient contact to survive." (Article 5)
Past Roles:
Last year, Kim did not start the season with the Dodgers. He played for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
His part in the team's playoffs last October was mainly as a pinch runner and a player who came in for defense. (Article 5)
Did his limited past play truly show his full skill?
Defensive Skill:
Kim has a strong history of defense, having won the KBO Golden Glove award four times. (Article 6)
He spent time working on how he reads plays in center field during the winter. (Article 5)
Expert Viewpoints
Dave Roberts mentioned Hyeseong Kim as a "strong option" for second base given Tommy Edman's delay. Mookie Betts, another Dodgers player, has been a strong supporter of Kim since Kim first came to camp. Betts has often spoken well of Kim.
Conclusion
Hyeseong Kim stands in a key position. Tommy Edman's injury means the Dodgers need a second baseman for Opening Day. Kim has clear defensive skills and has been openly working to improve his game in all areas. While his past hitting numbers show varied results, his efforts at training and the support from team management point to a real chance for him to get a main team spot. The focus for Kim is on consistent improvement and showing he can meet the team's needs at second base. The team is now watching his daily work closely.
Sources Used:
MLB.com: "For Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim, opportunity knocks at second base. 'Just trying to get better'" (Original Report)
MLB.com: "With much-needed versatility, Kim eyeing Dodgers' Opening Day roster" (1 day ago) https://www.mlb.com/news/hyeseong-kim-working-on-defense-in-center-field
CBSSports.com: "Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim: Competing for Opening Day job at 2B" (8 hours ago) https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/dodgers-hyeseong-kim-competing-for-opening-day-job-at-2b/
DodgersBeat.com: "Dodgers Interview: Kim Embraces Opportunity at Second" (4 hours ago) https://dodgersbeat.com/dodgers-interview-kim-embraces-opportunity-at-second/
The New York Times / The Athletic: "Assessing Dodgers’ options in their main battle of spring: Second base" (1 day ago) https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7051041/2026/02/16/dodgers-options-second-base/
Dodgers After Duty (Substack): "The Comet’s Opportunity: Can Hyeseong Kim Fill the Void Left by Ailing Veterans?" (Dec 19, 2025) https://dodgersafterduty.substack.com/p/the-comets-opportunity-can-hyeseong
BVMSports.com: "Hyeseong Kim Ready for Bigger Role? 👀 Dodgers 2B Battle Heating Up" (1 day ago) https://bvmsports.com/2026/02/16/hyeseong-kim-ready-for-bigger-role-%F0%9F%91%80-dodgers-2b-battle-heating-up/
OCRegister.com: "Tommy Edman won’t be ready for Opening Day for Dodgers, creating an opening at 2B" (1 day ago) https://www.ocregister.com/2026/02/16/tommy-edman-wont-be-ready-for-opening-day-creating-an-opening-at-2b/
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