Top 10 MLB rookies expected to be on Opening Day rosters

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Mar 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Hyun Soo Kim (25) works out prior to the game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Hyun-soo Kim, OF, Baltimore Orioles

After Jung-ho Kang made the jump from the KBO League to the Pittsburgh Pirates last season with success, a couple more Korean stars will try to follow in his footsteps at the Major League level in 2016. Like many international players, Kim is an unknown at this point, but will get a chance to prove himself with a starting role in Baltimore on Opening Day.

Over 10 seasons in the KBO, Kim posted an above-average .406 OBP per Baseball Reference, while also showing a strong ability to hit for contact. Kim also has some pop in his bat, as he slugged 28 home runs last season (his best overall year in Korea), and could very well reach the 15-20 homer range this season.

It’s hard to project how good Kim will be defensively in the Majors, but Baltimore brought him in with the idea he would be at least average in left field. The Orioles need help defensively in the outfield, and Kim should have the versatility to move around a bit if necessary.

A big concern was the 0-23 start Kim got off to in spring training, which he broke earlier this week. That might keep him lower on this list than fellow KBO transplant Byung-ho Park, but spring performance often isn’t a good indicator of success, and Kim still has the upside to be a solid regular.

FanGraphs projects Kim to put up 1.7 WAR in 560 plate appearances, just below the mark for an average starter. As the Orioles were able to add Kim for just $7 million over two years, they should be happy with that number.

Next: 7. Hector Olivera, 3B, Atlanta Braves

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