Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Hyeseong Kim stated he wants to be the Dodgers’ Opening Day starter at second base for the 2026 season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed 2025’s Opening Day second baseman Tommy Edman wouldn’t be available to start the season following surgery, and that Kim is “in the mix” to earn the spot.

“Yeah of course,” Kim said. “As a baseball player it’s something I’ve always dreamed of. To start on an Opening Day roster at second base. That’s why I worked hard in the offseason for it and hopefully the results show.”

Kim featured in 71 games for the Dodgers during the 2025 season, and played at second game in 45 of those games. He showcased a solid glove despite his limited opportunity, posting a fielding run value of plus-2.

How Did Hyeseong Kim Perform on Offense in 2025?

Kim began his MLB career with a bang in 2025, making the most of his minimal game time through his first month in the majors.

The Dodgers called Kim up early in May 2025, and he batted .422 throughout the month with a 1.068 OPS. He hit two of his three home runs during his first month in the majors.

After May, though, Kim’s numbers began to slowly decline.

He maintained a decent batting average, finishing the season with a .280 clip, but his OPS sagged to .699 by season’s end. He only found his way into two games during the postseason, but managed the winning run in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies and was on the field for the final out of the World Series.

Who is Hyeseong Kim’s Competition at Second Base?

The Dodgers have done well reinforcing their infield depth after a few moments in 2025 where they looked thin, and Roberts named several other suitors for their vacancy at second base.

“I think Hyeseong’s in the mix, we’ve got [Santiago] Espinal, obviously Miggy Ro is going to do some things over there, Freeland certainly in the mix, so we’re got some nice options,” Roberts said.

L.A. signed Santiago Espinal — a former All-Star — to a minor league deal Monday, and Miguel Rojas and Alex Freeland both spent time at second base last season. Kim will look to set himself apart during spring training, and earn his spot as the starter in his first full season in the majors.

Do you want Hyeseong Kim to start at second base?