Will Klein grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, and attended Bloomington North High School. Even with a broken thumb limiting him to 17.2 innings in his senior year, he struck out 30 batters and maintained a 1.98 ERA. This performance caught the attention of college scouts and helped him secure a place at Eastern Illinois University.
During college, Klein refined his pitching skills. Although he struggled during his first two seasons, he had a strong junior season in 2020 with a 3.33 ERA and 33 strikeouts. Unfortunately, the season ended early due to COVID‑19. Despite setbacks, his persistence demonstrated his dedication to growth.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Boone Klein |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1999 |
| Age (2025) | 25 years |
| Birthplace | Bloomington, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height/Weight | 6′5″, 230 lb |
| Position | Relief Pitcher |
| Bats/Throws | Right / Right |
| Education | Eastern Illinois University |
| MLB Debut | April 28, 2024 (Kansas City Royals) |
| Current Team (2025) | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$200,000 |
| MLB Salary (2025) | $760,000/year |
Professional Career
Kansas City Royals (2024)
The Royals drafted Klein in the 5th round of the 2020 MLB Draft (135th overall). He signed for a $200,000 bonus. Klein made his professional debut in 2021 with the High-A Quad Cities River Bandits, where he:
- Achieved a 7–1 record
- Posted a 3.20 ERA
- Struck out 121 batters in 36 appearances
As a result, he earned the Royals’ Pitching Prospect of the Year award. He quickly moved through Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha, before making his MLB debut on April 28, 2024. He recorded his first MLB win on June 2, 2024, against the San Diego Padres.
Oakland Athletics (2024–2025)
On July 30, 2024, the Athletics traded for Klein. He made three appearances before the team designated him for assignment in January 2025.
Seattle Mariners (Jan–Jun 2025)
Klein joined the Mariners on January 21, 2025, and played in Triple-A Tacoma. Unfortunately, he struggled with a 7.17 ERA over 22 appearances and was designated for assignment on May 31, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers (Jun 2025–Present)
The Dodgers acquired Klein on June 2, 2025. Since joining, he posted a 0.00 ERA with 5 strikeouts in his first relief appearances. He remains an important part of the bullpen rotation and shows strong signs of improvement.
Career Achievements
- MLB Debut: 2024 (Kansas City Royals)
- First MLB Win: 2024 (Royals vs Padres)
- All-Star Futures Game Selection: 2023
- Top Royals Pitching Prospect: 2021
Playing Style
Klein is a right-handed relief pitcher known for:
- A powerful fastball and high strikeout rate
- Resilience under pressure
- Quick adaptation after minor-league struggles
Coaches consider him a rising talent in MLB’s bullpen rotations.
Personal Life
Klein keeps his personal life private. He has no publicly reported spouse, children, or relationships. Most of his attention remains on baseball and professional growth.
Net Worth & Lifestyle (2025)
- Estimated Net Worth: ~$200,000
- MLB Salary: $760,000/year
His income comes primarily from team salaries and minor-league bonuses, with potential for growth as he becomes eligible for arbitration or earns performance-based raises.
Interesting Facts
- Klein pitched strongly in high school despite a broken thumb.
- He struck out 121 batters in High-A competition in 2021.
- He was chosen for the 2023 All-Star Futures Game, highlighting his potential as a top MLB prospect.
Future Outlook
At 25, Klein’s career trajectory looks promising. His role with the Dodgers gives him more exposure and development opportunities. Potential goals include:
- Establishing himself as a key bullpen asset
- Securing an arbitration contract
- Mentoring younger pitchers
Klein’s journey shows perseverance and adaptation, from Division I college athlete to professional pitcher navigating multiple MLB teams.
