Hyeseong Kim's Meteoric Rise: Could MLB See Its First Korean Rookie of the Year?
Hyeseong Kim's Meteoric Rise: Could MLB See Its First Korean Rookie of the Year?
Batting .429. On-base percentage of .467. An OPS over 1.000. These are not the numbers of a seasoned MLB star, but of a rookie who only debuted on May 3 — Hyeseong Kim of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A Rookie Sensation in the Making
In just 12 games, Kim has become a buzzworthy name in Major League Baseball. His three-hit, two-walk performance against the Oakland Athletics on May 15 showcased more than just raw talent — it revealed a player capable of elite production under pressure.
Tonight, Kim went 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored, reaching base in all five plate appearances. It was a game that not only raised eyebrows but also boosted his already stellar stats to a .429 batting average and 1.038 OPS.
From Minors to Must-Have Starter
Kim may have started the season in the minor leagues, but his ascent has been rapid. He has started in 8 of his 12 games, racking up:
9 runs scored
5 RBIs
1 double, 1 home run
3 stolen bases
2 walks, 5 strikeouts
His reliability in the bottom third of the Dodgers’ lineup has made him an essential piece of their offense.
Dodgers Dominate: A Team on Fire
The Dodgers' 19-2 demolition of the Athletics wasn't just about Kim. Shohei Ohtani launched two home runs and drove in six, while Max Muncy added 4 RBIs of his own. Andy Pages joined the party with a three-run blast, and the bottom of the lineup — where Kim often resides — delivered 7 hits.
Pitching-wise, Matt Sauer gave up two runs over four innings, but Justin Robleski’s four scoreless innings sealed the win. The Dodgers improved to a league-best 29-15, pulling ahead in the NL West.
A Rookie of the Year Contender?
Veteran sportswriters are already murmuring about the unthinkable: Could Hyeseong Kim become the first Korean-born Rookie of the Year in MLB history?
Given his numbers, adaptability, and undeniable spark, it’s no longer just a fantasy. It's a real possibility.
Final Thoughts
Kim’s rise is more than a feel-good story. It's a blueprint of perseverance, performance, and potential. As the season unfolds, the spotlight will only grow brighter.
Don’t blink — you might miss MLB history in the making.
Read the Full Story: https://www.newjournalist.today/detail.php?number=2868&thread=24r07r01
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