Dodgers Eye Internal Options as Tommy Edman Recovers, Spotlight on Hyeseong Kim

The Los Angeles Dodgers face an intriguing positional question as Opening Day approaches: who will take over at second base with Tommy Edman unavailable following surgery? The defending World Series champions have a mix of veterans and emerging talent ready to fill the void, including seasoned infielder Miguel Rojas, up-and-comer Alex Freeland, and KBO star Hyeseong Kim.

While the Dodgers could explore trades or waiver claims to add depth, their roster already boasts significant versatility. For now, it appears the team will rely on internal solutions, likely rotating Rojas, Freeland, and Kim in various configurations until Edman returns.

Both Rojas and Freeland impressed last season, with Rojas making key contributions during the World Series and Freeland demonstrating his ability to fill in at third base for Max Muncy. However, if the Dodgers want to balance present performance with future development, the spotlight turns to Kim, who has yet to fully establish himself beyond a role as a high-energy, base-stealing option in the postseason.

Kim’s rookie campaign in 2025 provided encouraging signs. Though he bypassed the traditional American minor league route, he produced a .280/.314/.385 line in 71 games, with 45 hits, three home runs, 17 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. Now, Edman’s absence opens the door for Kim to show whether he can be more than a situational contributor.

1. Evaluating Kim’s Potential

Kim’s first season with the Dodgers highlighted both his strengths and areas for improvement. His ability to make consistent contact, particularly in the bottom of the lineup ahead of Shohei Ohtani, demonstrated value for a team looking for run-producing depth. He also showed some versatility on defense, playing second base and even covering some center field assignments effectively. Despite these positive aspects, Kim’s rookie status meant he occasionally struggled with judgment and communication, leading to lapses both offensively and defensively. During the postseason, manager Dave Roberts leaned on more experienced players, leaving Kim with just two World Series appearances. The limited playoff exposure means that while Kim’s talent is evident, his readiness for everyday Major League play remains untested. Holding down second base for a significant stretch would offer the Dodgers a clearer picture of his long-term fit, both infield and possibly outfield. Given Edman could miss a substantial portion of the season, this is a prime opportunity for Kim. If he can handle roughly 80 percent of the games during Edman’s absence, he would nearly double his MLB experience, giving the Dodgers crucial data on whether he can handle a regular role.

2. Dodgers’ Depth Options

Beyond Kim, the Dodgers have internal depth in Rojas and Freeland. Rojas’ experience in high-pressure situations makes him a reliable option, capable of covering multiple infield positions. Freeland, meanwhile, has shown the ability to fill in at third base, making him a flexible candidate for spot starts and defensive rotations. Peripheral players like Santiago Espinal are likely to remain on the bench, with the team preferring to prioritize internal options over external additions unless a trade or waiver acquisition is especially compelling. Andrew Friedman’s roster-building approach allows for moves if needed, but the breadth of talent currently on the roster reduces the urgency. This depth strategy allows the Dodgers to manage innings carefully while still experimenting with Kim’s role. Rotating Rojas, Freeland, and Kim provides a mix of reliability, experience, and potential upside, giving the team options without rushing into external transactions. Ultimately, the Dodgers’ goal is to maintain competitiveness while using Edman’s absence as an evaluation period. By leveraging internal talent, they can test Kim’s ability to contribute regularly and assess which configurations yield the best overall performance.

3. Kim’s Chance to Prove Himself

For Kim, the coming months are an opportunity to define his MLB career trajectory. With the potential to see over 300 at-bats and 80-plus games, he can demonstrate whether he is capable of becoming a consistent everyday player or remains a situational piece. Success would solidify Kim’s place on the Dodgers’ roster beyond Edman’s return and could make him a candidate for more prominent roles in the outfield or infield. Failure to perform, conversely, could lead to him being packaged in a trade to acquire a player better suited to Roberts’ style. International players often face steep adjustments in their first seasons, and second-year slumps are common. However, Kim’s KBO experience and prior success in Korea suggest he has the tools to adapt and thrive given sufficient playing time and support from coaching staff. The Dodgers now have a chance to see if Kim can transition from a rookie energy player into a reliable contributor. His performance in Edman’s absence will inform future decisions, whether the team doubles down on his development or looks externally for long-term solutions.