Dodgers Keep Versatile Defender Off Opening Day Roster

Manager Dave Roberts explains decision to send Hyeseong Kim to minors to work on swing mechanics

Mar. 23, 2026 at 4:26am

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their Opening Day roster, with manager Dave Roberts revealing the team's decision to keep versatile defender Hyeseong Kim off the initial roster. Roberts cited Kim's ongoing struggles with his swing mechanics since the World Baseball Classic as the primary factor, opting instead to have Kim get regular at-bats in the minors to refine his approach at the plate.

Why it matters

Kim was expected to be a valuable utility player for the Dodgers this season, providing speed and defensive versatility. However, his offensive struggles this spring have the team prioritizing daily playing time in the minors to get his swing back on track, rather than having him in a limited role on the MLB roster to start the year.

The details

The Dodgers' other roster battle came down to Kim and Alex Freeland, with the team ultimately deciding to keep Freeland on the Opening Day roster. Roberts explained that the 'driver' behind the decision was the belief that Kim would benefit more from getting everyday at-bats in Triple-A to work on his swing mechanics, which have been a concern since the World Baseball Classic.

  • The Dodgers finalized their Opening Day roster this week.
  • Kim has struggled with his swing mechanics since returning from the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Dave Roberts

Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hyeseong Kim

A versatile defender and second-year player for the Dodgers who was sent to the minors to work on his swing.

Alex Freeland

A Dodgers player who made the Opening Day roster over Kim.

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What they’re saying

“Kim's swing remained a work in progress Sunday, when he had just one hit — a softly lined single, followed by a stolen base and run scored — in four at-bats in a spring training game against the Cubs. Now, he has just a week remaining in spring training to try to find a fix; hoping to show the Dodgers enough to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.”

— Jack Harris, New York Post writer

“Dave Roberts said the 'driver' behind the Alex Freeland/Hyeseong Kim decision was that the Dodgers felt Kim would benefit more from getting everyday at-bats in AAA right now.”

— Jack Harris, New York Post writer

What’s next

Kim will report to the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate to get regular playing time and work on refining his swing mechanics, with the goal of potentially being recalled later in the season.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' decision to send the versatile Kim to the minors highlights the team's commitment to developing young talent and ensuring players are fully prepared before contributing at the MLB level. While Kim's speed and defensive skills make him an intriguing option, the Dodgers prioritized getting him consistent at-bats to fix his swing over a limited role on the Opening Day roster.