Kim Hye-sung appears to be the Dodgers' main second baseman…Trade to Lux Cincinnati

The Los Angeles Dodgers, which acquired Kim Hye-sung, traded Gavin Lux, the main second baseman.

According to major foreign media such as ESPN and MLB.COM on the 7th (Korea Standard Time), the Dodgers decided to send Lux to Cincinnati and receive the nomination rights with prospect Mike Cirota.안전놀이터

Lux was selected as the main Keystone duo with Mookie Betts, who will return as shortstop in the 2025 season.

As a result, Kim Hye-sung was expected to take charge of the utility, but the trade of Lux raised the possibility that Kim Hye-sung would play as the main second baseman.

Dodger Nation, which deals with the news of the Dodgers on the 4th when it was reported that the Dodgers had signed Kim Hye-sung, analyzed, "The future of Lux (at the club) has darkened with the addition of Kim Hye-sung."

"Kim Hye-sung is highly likely to play second base, which will raise questions about Lux's future," the media said. "Lux has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, but remains the main second baseman. Kim Hye-sung's joining will darken Lux's future."

In his fifth season with the Dodgers, Lux began to increase playing time in earnest from the last 2021 season. In the 2022 season, he became the Dodgers' main second baseman with a batting average of 0.276 and an OPS of 0.745.

Although he did not play in the 2023 season due to injury, he did not change his position as the main second baseman last season either. He set a career record of double-digit homers with 10 homers, helping him win the World Series.

Lux was also rumored to be traded during the last season. When rumors emerged that the Dodgers could use Lux as a trade card, several teams were mentioned as a team to consider recruiting Lux. Kim Hye-sung was evaluated as superior to Lux in defense and baserunning ability.

Kim agreed to join the Los Angeles Dodgers for up to 22 million U.S. dollars for three plus two years. The three-year contract is worth 12.5 million dollars and includes an option to extend the two-year contract thereafter.

When Baseball America released Kim Hye-sung's scouting report last month, it gave him 55 points for contact ability, 30 for slugging, 70 for base running, 55 for defense and 40 for throwing. The 20-80 score method evaluates players as below-level, 50 for average in the Major League, and 80 for outstanding.

"Kim Hye-sung makes simple swings and constantly produces hits with his ability to make contact with his pioneering eye," Baseball America said. "He is a hard-to-hit ball, but he can make strong hits. He can steal more than 30 bases every year, and he can also throw more aggressive bases."

"Kim Hye-sung is more suitable for second baseman because he has experience playing shortstop, but his throwing ability is not excellent. He can become a main second baseman who produces more than average hits and stolen bases.

"I'm so happy to have Kim Hye-sung here. Kim Hye-sung is a player with good baserunning ability, good defense in various positions, and batting ability," said Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes. "Our scouts expected him to be posted this year. His dynamic and explosive power in games against us really stood out. I'm really happy to add a player with that type of athletic ability to our team."

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