Blue Jays lose out again as Hye-seong Kim signs three year pact with Los Angeles
Well, well, well Blue Jays fans. We've been disappointed yet again.
The deal is reported as being for $12.5MM with a two year option for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.
Mark Feinsand was first to report the news.
The Dodgers, who were not previously announced as a candidate for Kim's services, allegedly beat out a higher offer from their city rivals the Angels. Other teams said to be in the mix were The Blue Jays, Mariners, Padres, and Reds.
That Kim, who has a Golden Glove at both short stop and second base, chose the Dodgers should hardly come as a surprise.
LA has a sizeable Asian population and the Dodgers are hugely popular in Japan, thanks to Shohei Ohtani. They are also one of the richest teams in the league. $12.5MM is peanuts for them.
Kim's best assets are his speed and his defensive ability. He is the only player in KBO history to win a golden glove at both short and second.
While the contract isn't a massive one, by both Dodger and Asian baseball standards, it should help open the door for more Koreans to come to the majors.
The good news for Blue Jays is likely puts the Bo Bichette-to-Dodgers rumours to rest. While Kim would have played third if he signed with Toronto, he will most likely play up the middle with the Dodgers. And while there are still rumours surrounding Bo going to Atlanta, at least Kim's signing is one step closer to Bichette staying put. At least for 2025.
