Kiwoom Heroes to Post Hyeseong Kim for MLB Teams

The Korea Baseball Organization's Kiwoom Heroes are set to post infielder Hyeseong Kim for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams this offseason. Kim himself confirmed the timeline to Jee-ho Yoo of South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, stating that he expects the formal posting to occur next week and plans to travel to the United States in advance.

Hyeseong Kim: A Promising Talent
Kim, who turns 26 in January, has established himself as an intriguing prospect in the offseason free agent market. As the former double-play partner of current MLB player Ha-Seong Kim, he has gained valuable experience in the KBO and qualifies as a "professional" under MLB's international free agent rules. This status allows him to sign a major league deal of any length and value, unlike younger prospects who face restrictions.

Impressive KBO Performance
Kim's consistent performance over the past four seasons has solidified his reputation as a KBO star. He has batted over .300 with an on-base percentage of at least .372 in each of those seasons. While not known for his power, Kim hit a career-high 11 home runs last season and added 26 doubles and four triples. His strengths lie in his exceptional bat-to-ball skills, speed, and defensive prowess. Over the past four seasons, he has stolen 135 bases with an 87.1% success rate and significantly reduced his strikeout rate, achieving just a 10.9% strikeout rate in 2024.

Overall, Kim has a .321/.381/.418 batting line over the past four seasons, including a .326/.383/.458 line last season. He is regarded as a plus defensive second baseman who can also handle shortstop duties.

Potential MLB Interest
The Seattle Mariners have already expressed interest in Kim, and he is expected to attract attention from other teams once his free agency begins. Speculative fits include the Athletics, Royals, Pirates, Braves, Yankees, and Brewers.

Posting Process
Once the Heroes formally post Kim, a 45-day window will open during which Kim and his representatives at CAA Baseball can negotiate with all 30 MLB teams. Any team signing Kim will not only agree to a contract with him but will also pay a posting/release fee to the Heroes. This fee amounts to 20% of the contract's first $25 million, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of any additional earnings, including performance bonuses and option year salaries.

​As the posting process begins, Hyeseong Kim's entry into MLB will be closely watched by teams and fans alike, eager to see where this talented infielder will land.