Dodgers Predicted to Start $12.5M Signing at 2B with Edman Injured

Los Angeles has several options to replace the injured Tommy Edman at second base to start the season.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without starting second baseman Tommy Edman to start the 2026 MLB season after he underwent offseason surgery. The team has several internal options to replace Edman, including Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland, Santiago Espinal, and utility player Hyeseong Kim. According to reports, the Dodgers are expected to give the everyday second base job to Kim, their $12.5 million offseason signing from the Korea Baseball Organization.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are one of the top contenders in the National League, and Edman's absence at second base could impact their lineup and postseason aspirations. However, the team has depth and flexibility to cover for Edman's injury, with Kim potentially emerging as an everyday contributor.

The details

Kim was a star in the Korea Baseball Organization before signing a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason. He has the advantage of being a left-handed bat, which should lead to more playing time against right-handed pitchers compared to the other internal options of Rojas, Freeland, and Espinal.

  • Tommy Edman underwent offseason surgery to repair a ligament and remove bone spurs in his right ankle.
  • Edman will start the 2026 regular season on the injured list.

The players

Tommy Edman

The Dodgers' starting second baseman who is sidelined to start the 2026 season after offseason ankle surgery.

Hyeseong Kim

A 27-year-old utility player the Dodgers signed from the Korea Baseball Organization on a three-year, $12.5 million contract. He is expected to be the team's everyday second baseman to begin the season with Edman injured.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What gives Kim the leg up is that he's a left-handed bat, so there's a good chance he'll be in the lineup most of the time against right-handers. Rojas and Espinal will still play, especially against lefties, but Kim has the most upside of that trio, and the clear platoon advantage on most nights.”

— Zachary Rotman, FanSided writer

What’s next

The Dodgers will monitor Edman's recovery and determine when he can return to the lineup. In the meantime, they will give Kim the chance to prove himself as the everyday second baseman to start the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Dodgers have the depth and flexibility to withstand Edman's absence, with their $12.5 million offseason signing Hyeseong Kim poised to take over at second base. This highlights the team's commitment to building a roster capable of contending even when key players are sidelined by injury.