Dodgers' Latest $22 Million Signing Could Spell Bad News for Kiké Hernández Reunion

The Los Angeles Dodgers made another free-agent addition on Friday, reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal with Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim.

The deal also has a two-year option that could take it up to $22 million in total value.

The Dodgers somewhat came out of nowhere for Kim, and now have landed one of the top international free agents available this offseason. Kim is a versatile utility man who has won three Gold Gloves in the Korean Baseball Organization, two at second base and one at shortstop.

With Kim in the mix, though, the Dodgers may not have room for a fan-favorite utility man in Kiké Hernández.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports the Dodgers plan to use Kim in a "super utility role." Hernández, currently a free agent, filled that role for L.A. last season.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 25: Enrique Hernandez #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes the field ahead of Game One of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Los... Alex Slitz/Getty Images

Kim is coming off a 2024 season with the Kiwoom Heroes in which he hit .326 with 41 extra-base hits, 75 runs batted in, and 30 stolen bases. He struck out just 62 times across 567 plate appearances and had an OPS of .841. In 2023, he had a career-best OPS of .842.

With Kim in the mix, the Dodgers now have solid depth all around the diamond. In addition to his ability to play second base and shortstop, Kim has also played third base, left field, and right field.

Hernández is known for his ability to play just about anywhere on the diamond except pitcher and catcher. While he's become a fan favorite in Los Angeles, it's difficult to find a spot for him on the roster as currently constructed.

Of course, the offseason is far from over. The Dodgers could find a trading partner for Gavin Lux, thus moving Kim into a more starting role at second base. They could also move Chris Taylor, opening up an outfield spot for Hernández.

The ffan-favoriteHernández has made his intentions clear about wanting to return to Los Angeles next season.

"Main priority for me would probably be coming back," Hernández recently said on The Shop. "I think this team — the Dodgers are very well positioned to make another run and be the first back-to-back team since the New York Yankees in '99 and 2000."

Earlier in the offseason, Hernández was even more direct about his desire to return.

"I would love to be back," Hernández said. "I truly believe that — we won the World Series a couple of days ago — but I truly believe that this team is gonna be even better next year with all the pitching reinforcements."

While Hernández may want to return to L.A., the Dodgers may need to make some other moves before they have a spot for the fan-favorite utility man.

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