Dodgers could sacrifice $12M speedster's NLCS roster spot for much-needed insurance arm

Hunter Cookston

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Dodgers could sacrifice $12M speedster's NLCS roster spot for much-needed insurance arm image

The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the NLCS after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS. The winning run in Game 4 came from rookie Hyeseong Kim, a speedster signed during the offseason. He scored on an all-time blunder by pitcher Orion Kerkering. Kim typically enters games late as a pinch runner when needed.

“The Dodgers have agreed to a deal with Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, the team announced on Friday. The deal is for three years and a guaranteed $12.5 million with an option for 2028-29 that could increase the value of the deal to $22 million,” MLB.com’s Brian Murphy wrote.

Despite scoring the decisive run against the Phillies, Kim was nearly left off the postseason roster.

“Hyeseong has been fantastic for us this year. Going into tomorrow we have some tough roster decisions to go over,” Roberts said.

With the NLCS being a seven-game series, manager Dave Roberts has already hinted that roster changes are coming, particularly to the pitching staff.

“Dave Roberts suggests the Dodgers' roster for the NLCS is "going to look a little bit different." Among the likely changes is adding one more pitcher to replace a position player,” Dodger Blue posted.

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That likely means a position player will be dropped — and Kim may be one of them.

“Roster changes are likely for NLCS. In particular, they are likely to add a pitcher and drop a position player (Hyeseong Kim or Justin Dean). Dodgers went with 11 pitchers plus Ohtani for NLDS,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.

The Dodgers will be looking to optimize their roster heading into a tough series against the Milwaukee Brewers — the top team in the NL during the regular season. The Brewers also went 6-0 against the Dodgers this year.

If Kim is left off the NLCS roster, the Dodgers will lose a valuable weapon on the basepaths. While his bat hasn't been used much, his baserunning ability could prove to be a costly absence.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.