GLENDALE, United States, Feb. 16 (Yonhap) — Tommy Edman, super utility man for the defending World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers, knows a thing or two about handling multiple positions on the field.
The half-Korean player wants Kim Hye-seong, his former South Korean national team pal and now his new Dodger teammate, to be prepared to do the same in the majors.
Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes a throw during spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
After eight years of playing several positions in the Korea Baseball Organization, Kim signed with the Dodgers in January.
Though he was the primary second baseman for the Kiwoom Heroes in recent years, Kim had also played shortstop, third base and the two corner outfield positions earlier in his career. That versatility could come in handy on a stacked Dodgers team with a surplus of middle infielders.
“The advice is just to continue to work at all the different positions,” Edman told South Korean reporters at the Dodgers’ spring training site, Camelback Ranch, in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday. “You’ve got to always be prepared for wherever you’re needed. Baseball’s a long season and there’s lots of situations that can arise. So to always be prepared for weird situations is very important.”
Edman, who won the 2021 National League Gold Glove at second base for the St. Louis Cardinals, played center field, shortstop and second base for the Dodgers last year.
He also wielded a hot bat during the Dodgers’ championship run and was named the MVP of the National League Champions Series, when he batted .407 with a homer and 11 RBIs in a six-game series win over the New York Mets.
Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers (L) speaks with teammate Kim Hye-seong (R), with the help of the team’s international scout, Dean Kim, during spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
Edman, born to a Korean mother and an American father, became the first half-Korean player to represent South Korea in international baseball when he suited up for the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Edman was the starting second baseman and Kim was his backup.
“We’re very excited to play together again,” Edman said. “It was a lot of fun a couple of years ago and it’s going to be fun to share a field with him again.”
Edman said he and his teammates want to help Kim “feel comfortable with pressure.”
“We all played in the World Series last year under a lot of pressure,” Edman said. “So we’re kind of just trying to get him used to that type of environment that he’ll have to play in eventually.”
Edman also said he and Kim have been “talking through a lot of baseball stuff.”
“I remember playing with him in Korea and in Tokyo (during the WBC) and I thought, ‘Oh, he’s got a lot of talent. He could be a very good player,'” Edman continued. “He’s gotten bigger and stronger, and continued to have a better and better swing, and obviously is fast and good on defense. He’s got a lot of ways that he can help the team out.”
Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes part in a fielding practice during spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 16, 2025. Behind Kim are Chris Taylor (L) and Tommy Edman. (Yonhap)
One of the players Kim will likely be battling for playing time is the 35-year-old utility man Miguel Rojas, who appeared at all four infield positions last year.
Rojas, too, has been trying to help Kim find his footing in the “championship-or-bust” Dodgers culture, while having some fun doing it.
Kim’s new teammates made him the last one to take ground balls and he had to make a play for the drill to end.
Mookie Betts led the “Let’s Go Dodgers!” chant to create some game-like atmosphere, and dozens of fans watching the practice repeated it in response.
“I just feel like he’s going to be playing baseball games at Dodger Stadium. He’s never been in that environment before. It’s 52,000 people ever night screaming, ‘Let’s Go Dodgers!'” Rojas said.
“We’re just trying to make him prepare for that opportunity when he had to catch a ground ball in the ninth inning to get us a victory.
“We always want Kim to go last so he can actually feel the pressure. Everybody has to make the play and then if he messes it up, we have to start again,” Rojas added. “It’s a lot of pressure and I know he doesn’t like it. He feels uncomfortable but it’s good because you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, you’re vulnerable, and you’re going to be good in the big moment.”
Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers (2nd from R) shares a laugh with teammate Mookie Betts during spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
Rojas rejected the notion that he and Kim will be competing for a spot, because they are all in this together as teammates.
“I think we’re all going to be part of this team at some point, and we’re all going to do our best to help this team win,” the Venezuelan player said. ”
He’s going to be part of the mix and he’s got to believe and he’s got to feel like he belongs. I think he’s a pretty good player that he’s going to help us in different positions.
“What I like about him is he’s willing to learn and he’s willing to listen to everything that we have to tell him so he can get better,” Rojas continued. “And I’m pretty positive that he’s going to be a really good baseball player.”
