Hyeseong Kim, one of the top hitters in the KBO, is expected to be posted by his team, the Kiwoom Heroes, around noon ET on Wednesday. The 30-day window would then open the 25-year-old second baseman to sign with any MLB team. Kim recently told Jeeho Yoo of South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency that he will travel to the United States once he is posted. If no deal is signed by then, he will return to the Heroes for the 2025 season.
The NPB posting window has been expanded from 30 days to 45 days but KBO players still have a 30-day time frame.
Kiwoom Heroes to Post Infielder Hyeseong Kim on Wednesday
Over his eight-year tenure with the Kiwoom Heroes, Kim has consistently demonstrated his hitting prowess, boasting a .304 batting average and .364 on-base percentage. Notably, he has stolen at least 20 bases in seven consecutive seasons, with a career-high 46 steals in 2021. This past season, the left-handed hitter excelled, slashing .326/.383/.458 with 11 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Kim’s defensive skills are equally impressive, earning him KBO Golden Glove awards at second base in 2022 and 2023, as well as at shortstop in 2021.
Morosi did note last week that the Seattle Mariners are among the teams interested in Kim. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has also identified Kim as a player who could make sense for the Mariners. Seattle’s second-base production was underwhelming in 2024, with a collective .209 batting average, .658 OPS, and a concerning 27.1% strikeout rate. In contrast, Kim has demonstrated impressive plate discipline in the KBO, boasting a 16.3% strikeout rate across 3,819 plate appearances. With the Mariners having declined Jorge Polanco’s 2025 club option and poised to start Ryan Bliss at second base, Kim’s skills could provide a welcome upgrade.
As a seasoned veteran, Kim is classified as a “professional” under MLB’s international free agent guidelines. This distinction enables him to sign a major league contract of any duration and value. In contrast, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, due to his younger age and amateur status, will be restricted to a minor league deal with a bonus capped by MLB’s international amateur signing guidelines.
Main Photo: © David Frerker-Imagn Images
