**Winning Over Comfort: Hyeseong Kim Explains Choosing Dodgers Over Angels for Championship Pursuit**
In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, free agency decisions often come down to money, legacy, or personal comfort. But for South Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, the choice between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels was about something bigger: the relentless pursuit of a championship.
When Kim entered free agency after a stellar career in the KBO, he had no shortage of suitors. Both Los Angeles franchises made strong pitches, offering competitive contracts and the allure of staying in a city with a vibrant Korean community. For many players, the Angels might have been the more comfortable choice—a team with less immediate pressure, a superstar in Mike Trout, and the flexibility to carve out a defined role. But Kim, driven by an unshakable desire to win at the highest level, saw something different in the Dodgers: a proven championship culture, a front office committed to sustained excellence, and a roster built to dominate for years to come.
### **The Dodgers’ Winning Pedigree**
The Dodgers didn’t just sign Kim because they needed another infielder—they pursued him because he fit their model of disciplined, versatile, and high-IQ players who thrive in October. Over the past decade, no franchise has been as consistently dominant as the Dodgers. Multiple World Series appearances, a deep farm system, and a front office that refuses to settle for mediocrity made it clear to Kim that if he wanted to win, this was the place.
“When I spoke with the Dodgers, it wasn’t just about the contract,” Kim revealed in an exclusive interview. “They showed me how I would fit into their system, how they develop players, and most importantly, how every decision they make is about winning championships. That mentality is contagious.”
The Angels, by contrast, have struggled to turn individual star power—first with Trout, then with Shohei Ohtani—into postseason success. Despite having two of the most electrifying players in baseball history, the Angels have not won a playoff game since 2009, a staggering drought for a team with such talent. For Kim, who spent years in Korea dreaming of lifting a World Series trophy, the Angels’ inability to build a complete roster was a red flag.
### **The Comfort Factor vs. The Competitive Fire**
There’s no denying that the Angels could have offered Kim an easier transition. The team’s struggles in recent years would have meant lower expectations, and the presence of fellow Korean players in the past (like Shohei Ohtani’s former teammate, David Fletcher) might have made the clubhouse feel more familiar. Anaheim’s sizable Korean community also would have provided an off-field support system, something many international players value deeply.
But Kim, who has never shied away from a challenge, saw greater value in joining a team where nothing less than a title is acceptable. “Of course, comfort is important,” he admitted. “But I didn’t come to MLB just to have a good experience. I came to win. The Dodgers have a way of pushing everyone to be their best, and I wanted that pressure.”
That pressure is real. The Dodgers’ fanbase expects excellence, and the organization’s depth means no player can afford to coast. For Kim, that was a selling point, not a deterrent. “In Korea, I played for teams where winning was the only thing that mattered. The Dodgers have that same mentality. If you’re not competing for a ring, what’s the point?”
### **The Roster Advantage: A Clear Path to October**
Beyond culture, the Dodgers’ roster construction played a massive role in Kim’s decision. While the Angels’ lineup has often been top-heavy, relying too much on Trout (and previously Ohtani), the Dodgers boast a relentless, deep roster where every player has a role. From Mookie Betts to Freddie Freeman to a pitching staff that blends veterans and young arms, the Dodgers are built to withstand the grueling MLB season.
Kim, a versatile defender who can play multiple infield positions, saw an opportunity to contribute without being burdened with carrying the team. “With the Dodgers, I don’t have to be the superstar,” he said. “I can focus on doing my job—getting on base, playing strong defense, helping the team in any way possible. When you have so many great players around you, it makes everyone better.”
The Angels, meanwhile, have repeatedly failed to supplement their stars with reliable depth. Injuries and underperformance have plagued them, leaving Trout stranded without enough support. For Kim, joining a team with such glaring holes would have meant risking his prime years in a situation where contention wasn’t guaranteed.
### **The Bigger Picture: Legacy Over Short-Term Ease**
At the end of the day, Kim’s decision reflects a mindset that separates good players from legendary ones. Many athletes take the biggest contract or the most comfortable situation. But the great ones—the ones who leave a lasting mark—prioritize winning above all else.
“I could have taken a slightly easier path,” Kim acknowledged. “But when I look back on my career, I don’t want to say, ‘I had a nice time in MLB.’ I want to say, ‘I won a World Series.’ The Dodgers give me the best chance to do that.”
His choice also sends a message to other international players considering MLB moves: the best franchises aren’t just the ones that offer the most money or the most playing time—they’re the ones that give you a real shot at immortality.
Hyeseong Kim’s choice to join the Dodgers over the Angels wasn’t just about baseball—it was about legacy. In a sport where championships define greatness, he placed himself in the best possible position to succeed. While the Angels continue to search for answers, the Dodgers keep adding players who care about one thing above all: winning.
And for Kim, that’s the only comfort he needs.
