NEW YORK – The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant move in their offseason strategy by finalizing a three-year contract worth $12.5 million with South Korean All-Star second baseman Hyeseong Kim. This deal was announced on Friday as part of the reigning World Series champions’ efforts to bolster their roster.
As part of the agreement, Kim will receive a $1 million signing bonus and a salary of $2.5 million for the current season, followed by $3.75 million in each of the subsequent two years. The Dodgers have also included options worth $5 million each for the years 2028 and 2029, with the potential to increase the total value of the contract to $22 million if these options are exercised. Should the team decide not to utilize the options, a buyout fee of $1.5 million will be required.
Furthermore, Kim has the opportunity to achieve a $500,000 performance bonus for reaching 500 plate appearances in each of the designated option years. His 30-day posting window to finalize this agreement was set to conclude at 5 p.m. EST.
Turning 26 on January 27, Kim boasts an impressive record from his eight seasons in South Korea, with the last six spent with the Kiwoom Heroes based in Seoul. During the most recent season, he posted career-best statistics, achieving a .326 batting average, hitting 11 home runs, driving in 75 runs, and successfully stealing 30 bases. His overall career numbers include a .304 batting average, 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, and 211 stolen bases across stints with the Nexen Heroes and Kiwoom.
As part of the financial commitments, Los Angeles will pay Kim’s previous South Korean team a posting fee of $2 million, which is calculated as 20% of the guaranteed contract amount. Additionally, any performance bonuses, escalators, or secured earnings from the exercised options will incur a supplemental fee of 15%.
After clinching their second World Series title in five years, the Dodgers have been active in the free agency market, previously signing left-hander Blake Snell to a significant five-year deal valued at $182 million, securing infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman for $74 million over five years, and reaching a one-year agreement with outfielder Michael Conforto worth $17 million. The team also retained right-hander Blake Treinen with a $22 million, two-year contract and added outfielder Teoscar Hernández with a three-year deal valued at $66 million. To facilitate Kim’s arrival, the Dodgers designated catcher Diego Cartaya for assignment, creating space on their roster.
