Super Utility Kim Hye-sung (26) will start his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the winner of last year's World Series. Some predict that it will not be an easy road, but he is committed to overcome the competition by banking on his unique diligence and his own strengths.
Kim left for the U.S. via Incheon International Airport on Friday afternoon. She headed to Phoenix, Arizona via Seattle.
Kim Hye-sung will go through procedures such as physical examinations and joining ceremonies in the U.S., join the Dodgers spring camp, and begin to quench in earnest ahead of the MLB's first season.
KBO League Kiwoom Heroes infielder Kim Hye-sung's trip to Dodgers was dramatic. The outlook was dark because no news had been heard for a while after applying for the posting system (closed competitive bidding), but he signed with the Dodgers just four hours before the deadline.
In particular, his contract with the Dodgers was rather unexpected. The Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres reportedly wanted Kim Hye-sung, but not many expected the Dodgers, the winner of last year's World Series, to recruit Kim Hye-sung, but it became a reality.
When Kim Hye-sung signed with the prestigious Dodgers, most of them applauded, but some expressed concern that they were forced to walk a rough path.
Some analysts said the deal`s size of 12.5 million U.S. dollars for three-year guarantees and up to 22 million dollars for three-year guarantees is disappointing rather than expected. He also has no right to veto the Minor League. Notably, there were concerns that competition for the first division would not be easy due to robust lineup.
Kim Hye-sung is also well aware of this. He headed to the U.S. expecting that it would not be an easy challenge. However, he is not trying to avoid it. If he prepares diligently with the mindset that he will make his professional debut again, he is confident that he will be able to make the opening entry.
"Actually, the Dodgers was the first team that made the offer after applying for posting. I was really grateful and felt good. I was attracted to Korean seniors earlier because they played and won the World Series last year," Kim said before leaving the country on the 14th.
"The competition is inevitable even if we go to a team other than the Dodgers. Since I chose the Dodgers after a lot of thought, I will compete well and establish myself in the first division," he said. "First of all, my primary goal is to enter the opening game entry."
Kim received general advice on living in the U.S. from Kim Ha-sung, a Kiwoom senior, and Lee Jung-hoo, a classmate of the San Francisco Giants. However, he did not receive any special advice technically. Both Kim and Lee told him, "We can deal with it only when we meet MLB pitchers in person. Hurry up and experience it."
Kim Hye-sung, who received advice, is getting fiercer. He used to respect Dodgers like nothing before, but now he thinks that Dodgers should win the competition.
Kim Hye-sung said, "I've always been unsatisfied and have a high goal, so I've grown up and come to this place," adding, "Now I'll do well through training and practice again."
She is committed to switching to the outfield in order to win the competition. Kim won the Golden Glove as shortstop and second baseman in the KBO League, respectively.
"You have to be able to play any position, not just one position," he said. "It doesn't matter wherever you go. The first thing to do is to play a good role in the team."
Kim Hye-sung's strengths are his fast feet and accurate contact skills. He has a wide range of defense, so he has many uses. If he makes good use of his strengths shown in Korea, he has potential in Dodgers. 안전놀이터
"I will become an athlete who makes good use of my strengths. I am in a position to challenge myself, but I need to do better than I have done before," Kim said. "Rather than focusing on a specific field, I will practice hard in everything. I will show off my charm."