Kim Hye-sung, who chose the LA Dodgers, stood in front of the microphone before leaving the country. He left the country with a number ranging from greeting Shohei Ohtani to his uniform number.

Kim Hye-sung held a press conference before leaving Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 14th. Kim Hye-sung, who left the country, will head to Phoenix, Arizona, where the spring camp will be held via Seattle. 메이저놀이터

Standing in front of reporters on the day, Kim Hye-sung said, "The first place I made a suggestion after applying for posting was the Dodgers. I was really grateful and happy. I was attracted because Korean seniors played earlier and it was a prestigious team that won the World Series."

There was also a story behind the scenes with Shohei Ohtani. The two are said to have worked out with Ohtani when Kim Hye-sung headed to the U.S. for negotiations as a member of the same agency. "I started working out at the same agency, and I received support from them by greeting them and talking with them," Kim said. "[Ohtani] always greeted me in Korean, and I also answered in Japanese. Ohtani said to me, "Hello, Mr. Hyesung."

Regarding the choice of No. 6, he said, "I couldn't find the number 3 that I wore in my school uniform. I was thinking about which one would be better among the remaining single-digit numbers, but I chose No. 6 because I know that Trey Turner played with No. 6, and since he is my favorite player, I will prepare to put on No. 6 and perform well."

He also talked about the competition to become a starting pitcher. "I need to compete even if I'm not with the Dodgers," he said. "After much consideration, I wanted to establish myself in the Dodgers. I have no regrets. I want to prepare diligently and be included in the opening game entry." 

Kim Hye-sung, who previously belonged to Kiwoom, recorded a total of 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs, 211 steals and OPS.767. He has won one Golden Glove at shortstop and three Golden Gloves at second base, and has also played for the national team. 

Kim Hye-sung achieved his dream of becoming a major leaguer by signing a 3+2 year maximum of 22 million dollars (about 32.4 billion won) with the Los Angeles Dodgers on the 4th. Having played for the KBO League Kiwoom Heroes since 2017, he succeeded in entering the Major League through the posting system.

The dramatic joining process also drew attention, but even after applying for the posting system, concerns were drawn due to no news. However, he dramatically signed a contract with the Dodgers with a few hours left before the deadline. 

Kim failed to get a minor veto when signing the contract with the Dodgers this time. Therefore, if he fails to catch the eye of club officials and coaching staff during the spring camp, he could start the season in the Minor League.

The Major League Baseball secretariat revealed the schedule of its spring camp for the 2025 season on Tuesday. The Dodgers, Kim Hye-sung's team, will announce the official opening of its spring camp on Feb. 12 when the pitcher and catcher's team will enter the camp in Glendale, Arizona. Four days later, on Feb. 16, the team will start its first official group training in which both pitchers and fielders will participate.

Arizona is not that unfamiliar to Kim Hye-sung. This is because he has experience in many spring camps in Arizona as a member of Kiwoom. 

The first exhibition game of the Dodgers' 2025 spring camp will start on Feb. 23 against the Chicago Cubs at the same venue. The next day, they will move to their home ground and play their second exhibition game.