Jin Huicheng's spring training performance is outstanding: a talented super tool man

At the Dodge spring training camp in Los Angeles, South Korean tool man Kim Hye Sung is refreshing everyone's perception with his strength.

"He's got a lot more muscle than expected," exclaimed coach Dave Roberts, "and his body fat percentage is probably the lowest in the team." A week later, Freddie Freeman, the leading first baseman, had a similar assessment: "He has the best body fat stats for both speed and strength, and I heard that he has the best body fat stats in the team." ”

The former Certified Heroes star is accustomed to this – his teammates used to marvel at his sculptural form during his days in South Korea's professional baseball. But don't let the discussion of his figure overshadow the edge under his gloves.

On the first time he landed on the training ground of the major leagues, Kim Hye-sung conquered the coaching staff with a smooth defense. The four-time Golden Glove winner (shortstop in 2021, mostly second baseman for the last three years) has a talent on the defensive end. In January, the Dodgers signed the versatile for three years and $12.5 million, but questions remain about whether his strikes will fit into major league pitchers and guard positioning.

"Defending him alone is enough to change the tide of the game," Roberts admits, "and it's all about the room to grow on the striking end." We will find a balance between the needs of the team and his own development. If he can show consistent firepower in spring training, Kim Hye-sung is expected to fill the second-base gap left by Gavin Lux, who was traded to the Reds; If the blow still needs to be crafted, he will be active in multiple positions as a left-hand super tool.

"I will not be confined to one position," Kim Hye-sung said through an interpreter, "I will give my best to all the positions arranged by the coach." According to Roberts, during spring training he will focus on honing second base, third base and outfield defense. Although he only played 44 left field games in the 2020 season during his KBO years, his experience as a student as a fielder gave him a soft spot for the big picture of the outfield.

Kim Hye-sung in the strike zone is known for his accurate shots, and the Dodgers coaching staff is confident that he can adapt to the speed of the major leagues. Percussion coach Aaron Bates praised: "He has all the potential to be a great striker, now he just needs to fine-tune his swing trajectory." What we have to do is for him to unleash his talent in a relaxed state. ”

There was a heartwarming scene at the end of Sunday's infield session: as Kim Hye-sung was preparing to take the final roll of the ball, Muki Bates suddenly led the fans on the sidelines to chant "Let's go Dodgers". The South Korean star smiled and cleanly completed the defensive assignment of the first base. "Murch was creating an atmosphere for him," Roberts explained, "and the acceptance of his team-mates was the most telling thing. ”

For Kim, perhaps the biggest challenge of the season is not on the field. "When the fans chant my name, it's hard to put into words," he said, "and it makes me feel warm in a foreign country." From Gwangju to Los Angeles, the Asian tool man is writing a new chapter in his saga.