South Korean media criticize Kim Hye-seong for "failing to seize the final opportunity," his spot on the playoff roster now uncertain.

The Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed 8-0 away against the Arizona Diamondbacks today (26th), clinching their fourth straight National League West championship. The game featured standout performances from the "Japanese stars," with Shohei Ohtani hitting his 54th home run of the season to match his personal best, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivering six shutout innings to secure his 12th victory. Nevertheless, Korean media highlighted the ongoing struggles of Korean player Kim Hye-seong, suggesting he may not make the postseason roster.

In the top of the fourth inning, Shohei Ohtani blasted a two-run homer to extend the lead; Yamamoto pitched six innings, allowing four hits, striking out seven, and finishing without giving up a run, laying the groundwork for the team's victory. The Dodgers' lineup was firing on all cylinders throughout the game, ultimately shutting out their opponent by eight runs and clinching the division title.

However, compared to the impressive performances of the Japanese stars, Korean player Kim Hye-seong appeared sluggish. He entered as a pinch runner in the sixth inning and struck out in his at-bat during the eighth, dropping his batting average to .281. Since being placed on the injured list in July due to a left shoulder injury, Kim returned in early September but saw significantly reduced playing time, struggling even to appear against right-handed pitchers. In September, he played only 10 games and hit a mere .067.

The Korean media outlet Sportal Korea bluntly stated that although Kim Hye-seong won the division title with the team in his first year in the U.S., his individual performance has been below expectations. Moreover, this game’s at-bat was "almost his last chance," which he failed to capitalize on, making his inclusion on the playoff roster highly unlikely. Even if he does make the team, his role would likely be limited to a defensive substitute or pinch runner.

The 26-year-old Kim Hye-seong began this season in the minor leagues and was promoted to the majors in May, posting an impressive slash line of .422/.458/.600 that month. However, his performance declined starting in July, and he was placed on the injured list at the end of the month due to left shoulder discomfort. After returning, his playing opportunities were sharply reduced. This season, he has appeared in 68 games with a batting average of .281, 43 hits, 2 home runs, 13 stolen bases, and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of 0.690.