SEOUL, Having long declared his desire to play in Major League Baseball (MLB), Kiwoom Heroes second baseman Kim Hye-seong said Monday he is eyeing continued growth toward this goal.
Kim insisted that his focus on personal development won't waver, even though talks with his current Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club over his potential move haven't really taken off.
In a media scrum prior to the Golden Glove Awards ceremony in Seoul on Monday, Kim admitted he hadn't been able to schedule a meeting with the Heroes' executives to discuss his wish to play in MLB. Kim will be eligible for posting after the 2024 season and will need the green light from the Heroes to be made available for MLB clubs.
As for his meeting with manager Hong Won-ki, Kim demurred and said, "We just talked about a few different things."
Kim Hye-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes speaks after winning the Golden Glove at second base during the award ceremony in Seoul on Dec. 11, 2023.
"More so than meeting with the team officials, I think the top priority is to get into the best shape possible," Kim said. "My primary goal is to be better next year than I was this year."
That's a lofty goal, as Kim, 24, enjoyed his best offensive season in 2023 while flashing the leather at second base as usual. Kim set career highs across the board with a .335/.396/.446 line and 29 doubles. He also stole 25 bases for his sixth consecutive 20-steal season. His batting average has climbed up every season since 2018, his first full campaign with the Heroes.
After playing for the under-24 Korean national team at the Asia Professional Baseball Championship in November, Kim had said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of a couple of former Heroes teammates and knocked on the MLB doors.
Kim's former double play partner, Kim Ha-seong, is now a Gold Glove-winning infielder for the San Diego Padres. Heroes outfielder Lee Jung-hoo, one of Kim Hye-seong's closest friends on the team, was posted for MLB teams last week and is expected to sign a multiyear contract for next season.
Before Kim Ha-seong, the Heroes had sent infielders Park Byung-ho (Minnesota Twins) and Kang Jung-ho (Pittsburgh Pirates) to MLB via posting. Given the Heroes' recent history, it appears unlikely the team will stand in Kim Hye-seong's way after the player went public with his desire.
Source: Yonhap News Agency