Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Will Klein (baseball)

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Will Klein (baseball) made an impact.

Will Klein is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). Prior to joining the Dodgers, Klein played for the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics, establishing his career in MLB as a pitcher.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: Senior Year at Bloomington High School North

In 2017, during his senior year at Bloomington High School North, Will Klein pitched 17+2⁄3 innings with 30 strikeouts and a 1.98 ERA, despite breaking his thumb.

2020: Drafted by Kansas City Royals

In 2020, Will Klein was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round with the 135th overall pick of the Major League Baseball draft and signed for $200,000.

2020: Junior Year at Eastern Illinois University

In 2020, during his junior year at Eastern Illinois University, Will Klein recorded a 3.33 ERA with 33 strikeouts before the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Professional Debut with Quad Cities River Bandits

In 2021, Will Klein made his professional debut with the Quad Cities River Bandits, achieving a 7–1 record with a 3.20 ERA and 121 strikeouts over 70+1⁄3 innings, and was named the Royals' Pitching Prospect of the Year.

2022: Season with Northwest Arkansas Naturals

In 2022, Will Klein returned from a shin splint injury to play with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, recording a 1–1 record with a 10.51 ERA and 55 strikeouts over 43+2⁄3 innings.

November 14, 2023: Added to Royals' 40-Man Roster

On November 14, 2023, the Royals added Will Klein to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

2023: Promotion to Omaha Storm Chasers and All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2023, Will Klein was promoted to the Omaha Storm Chasers and selected to represent the Royals at the All-Star Futures Game, finishing the season with a 1–5 record, a 4.62 ERA, and 93 strikeouts over 64+1⁄3 innings across Northwest Arkansas and Omaha.

April 25, 2024: MLB Promotion with Kansas City Royals

On April 25, 2024, Will Klein was promoted to the major leagues for the first time following an injury to Alec Marsh, recording a 6.35 ERA with six strikeouts across 5+2⁄3 innings for Kansas City.

July 30, 2024: Traded to Oakland Athletics

On July 30, 2024, Will Klein, along with Mason Barnett and Jared Dickey, was traded by the Royals to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Lucas Erceg. Klein's performance included allowing five runs on two hits and four runs in 1+2⁄3 innings.