*This content was translated by AI.
The Los Angeles Dodgers of the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) recruited two infielders like Kim Hye-sung each. In other words, the number of competitors for Kim Hye-sung (27) has increased. A tough competition for the starting lineup in the 2026 season is predicted.
The Major League's official website, MLB.com , reported on the 10th (Korea time) that "the Dodgers recruited Ryan Fitzgerald, who was notified of his release from the Minnesota Twins," and added, "He also signed a one-year contract with Andy Ibanes."
The media then predicted, "The Dodgers may make additional trades to register Ivanes' 40-man roster."
Fitzgerald is the first prospect to reach the big leagues last year. While playing 24 games in the Major League last season, he posted a batting average of 0.196 and an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of 0.759.
This is Fitzgerald, who spent more time on the Triple-A stage. He marked a batting average of 0.277, an on-base percentage of 0.367, and a slugging percentage of 0.469 for Triple-A teams under Minnesota. He has a versatile ability to alternate between second baseman and shortstop.
In addition, Ivanes failed to renew his contract with the Detroit Tigers in November last year, becoming free. And as he was called by the Dodgers this time, he was able to aim for a leap forward this season.
Ibanes played primarily as a third baseman in the 2025 season. He is a utility player who has played all infield positions evenly for five big league seasons. I even played as an outfielder. Last season, he played in 91 games and posted a batting average of 0.239 and an OPS of 0.653.
It is clear why the Dodgers recruited them. This is to make the infielders' depth thicker. Currently, first baseman Freddie Freeman, third baseman Max Muncy and shortstop Mookie Betts occupy one spot each in the Dodgers' infield. In the midst of this, it is not an exaggeration to say that the second baseman does not have a clear main player. Tommy Hyun-soo Edman is going back and forth between the second baseman and the outfield. Edman is expected to be slightly delayed in joining the spring camp due to the aftermath of ankle surgery.
MLB.com analyzed, "If Edman fails to make the regular season roster, the Dodgers will use various alternatives, including Miguel Rojas, Kim Hye-sung and Alex Freeland, as well as the infield resources they recruited this time."
With the recruitment of Fitzgerald and Ivanes this time, Kim Hye-sung's competition to become the main player is expected to become even fiercer. Currently, Kim Hye-sung joined the Korean World Baseball Classic (WBC) team in Saipan, located in the U.S. North Mariana Islands, and is sweating. However, it is not an exaggeration to say that the sudden recruitment of the two is like a sudden news from Kim Hye-sung's point of view.
Kim Hye-sung, who entered the Major League ahead of this season, played his role in the Dodgers. In 71 games this season, he played a batting average of 0.280 (45 hits in 161 at-bats), three homers, six doubles, one triple, 17 RBIs, 19 runs, seven walks, two strikeouts, a 13 steals (1 failed) on-base percentage of 0.314, a slugging percentage of 0.385 and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of 0.699.
Furthermore, Kim Hye-sung was on the roster of all postseason games last year, from the National League Wild Card Series to the Division Series (NLDS, best-of-five), the Championship Series (NLCS, best-of-seven), and the World Series (WS, best-of-seven). In the fourth game of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, he played as a substitute in the 11th inning of overtime and scored the winning goal. In the end, he finally enjoyed the joy of winning the World Series with his Dodgers teammates.
However, Kim Hye-sung is not yet a clear starting member of the Dodgers. He played only two games in the postseason last year. He has already proved his skills, but he has to show good performance again in the spring camp in February. In the end, the Dodgers must win a fierce competition to occupy the main position.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
