Shocking news: What A Surprise Decision As Diego Cartaya Is Set To… see… more

In a move that has surprised many, the Los Angeles Dodgers have designated former top catching prospect Diego Cartaya for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for newly signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim.

Hyeseong Kim’s Signing

Hyeseong Kim, a standout in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), has agreed to a three-year contract with the Dodgers worth a guaranteed $12.5 million, with an option that could extend the deal through 2028-29 and increase its value to $22 million.

Kim, 25, has been a consistent performer in the KBO, boasting a career batting average of .304 and an on-base percentage of .364 over eight seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes. Notably, he has stolen at least 20 bases in each of the past seven seasons, peaking at 46 in 2021. In the 2024 season, Kim achieved a .326/.383/.458 slash line, hitting 11 home runs and securing 30 steals. His defensive prowess is highlighted by four KBO Golden Glove Awards, recognizing him as the best overall player at his position, with accolades at shortstop in 2021 and at second base in the subsequent three seasons.

Diego Cartaya’s Designation

The decision to designate Diego Cartaya for assignment has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. Once heralded as the organization’s catcher of the future, Cartaya’s trajectory has encountered obstacles in recent seasons. After being named the Dodgers’ Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year in 2022, his offensive production declined. In the 2023 season with Double-A Tulsa, he posted a .189 batting average with 19 home runs and 57 RBIs over 93 games. The following year, splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, Cartaya improved slightly to a .221 average, adding 11 home runs and 52 RBIs across 95 games.

The emergence of other catching talents within the Dodgers’ system, notably Will Smith, who is under contract through 2033, and top prospect Dalton Rushing, has further complicated Cartaya’s standing in the organization. With Austin Barnes and Hunter Feduccia also in the catching mix, the Dodgers possess considerable depth at the position, potentially diminishing Cartaya’s future opportunities with the team.

Strategic Implications

Designating a player of Cartaya’s caliber for assignment is a significant move, indicating the Dodgers’ commitment to bolstering their infield versatility with the addition of Kim. Kim’s ability to play multiple positions aligns with the Dodgers’ strategic emphasis on defensive flexibility. The plan heading into 2025 has been for Mookie Betts to play shortstop and Gavin Lux to man second base, but others who could make appearances at those positions include Chris Taylor, Miguel Rojas, and Tommy Edman.

Future Prospects for Cartaya

As Cartaya enters the waiver process, it remains to be seen whether another MLB team will claim the 23-year-old catcher, offering him a fresh start and an opportunity to realize his potential at the major league level. Alternatively, the Dodgers might explore trade possibilities to facilitate his move to a new organization.

Conclusion

This roster adjustment underscores the dynamic nature of baseball operations, where teams must make difficult decisions to balance immediate needs with long-term development goals. For the Dodgers, integrating a player of Hyeseong Kim’s caliber reflects their ongoing pursuit of versatility and depth, essential components in their quest for sustained success in the highly competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.