Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kim Ha-seong described his season as the most disappointing and uncharacteristic year of his baseball career, following a lengthy minor league stint that kept him away from the majors. Speaking to South Korean daily newspaper Maeil Business Newspaper on October 17, the 27-year-old infielder expressed blunt dissatisfaction with a campaign derailed by early hitting struggles.
Spring Demotion and Triple-A Struggles
Kim began the year on the major league roster, but a prolonged batting slump forced his demotion to Triple-A at the end of May. He did not receive another call back to the majors for the remainder of the season. Across 81 games in Triple-A, Kim batted .268 with a .336 on-base percentage and a .688 OPS. Unlike the previous autumn, when he secured a role on the postseason roster primarily as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner, he missed out on the Dodgers’ playoff run entirely.
It was the most unsatisfying year of my baseball career,
Kim said in the interview. Somehow… I think it was the most uncharacteristic year for me.
Reflecting on Major League Shortfalls
Reflecting on an elusive major league horizon, Kim shouldered the blame for his inability to stick at the highest level. He emphasized that hitting proficiency is non-negotiable for anyone hoping to secure regular playing time in Los Angeles, regardless of defensive versatility.
The thing I regret most is that I could only stay in Major League Baseball for about a month,
Kim said. I wanted to play longer, but that didn’t happen. My ability wasn’t enough. Defense is important, but to survive in Major League Baseball, I think hitting is the most important thing. My defense is still a work in progress too, but to play as a regular for the Dodgers, your hitting has to match up.
Managerial Assessment and Altered Mechanics
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted earlier in the year that Kim’s inconsistent timing at the plate hindered his production. There’s a lack of consistency in the batter’s box,
Roberts observed during the season. Frankly speaking, he looks like he’s not exerting his true power. Once that gets cleared up, Ha-seong will be a big asset for the team.
In an effort to turn his offensive numbers around, Kim consulted with minor league hitting coaches during the summer and opted to revert to the batting stance he utilized during his career in the KBO League in South Korea. When I go into a game, I have to consistently get on base,
Kim noted of his mechanical adjustments.
Looking Ahead to the Final Year of His Contract
With his contract entering its final year, Kim faces a critical juncture in his major league career. However, roster turnover could clear a path for increased playing time in 2026. Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas is slated for retirement, and utility player Kiké Hernández is set to enter free agency, departures that may open up greater opportunities in the Dodgers’ infield than Kim encountered over his first two seasons.
When you are at rock bottom, you can understand what your problems are very well,
Kim said. I felt many problems too, and I know what needs to be improved.
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