Unleashing the Fury of the Fastball, Former Royals Pitcher Klein Sets Course for a Redemption Story with the Mariners
At the 2024 trade deadline, the Kansas City Royals orchestrated a significant move to bolster their relief pitching by acquiring Lucas Erceg from the Athletics. In return, they traded pitcher Will Klein, who had recently debuted in the MLB, along with minor leaguers Mason Barnett and Jared Dickey. However, Klein’s journey took a swift turn as he found himself changing teams once again, this time landing with the Seattle Mariners on January 21 in exchange for international bonus pool space.
From Draft Day to the Big Leagues: Klein’s Baseball Odyssey
Hailing from Eastern Illinois University, Will Klein was drafted by the Royals in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. His professional career kicked off with the team’s High-A affiliate in 2021, where he showcased promise by delivering a 3.20 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and 121 strikeouts in 70.1 innings out of the bullpen. Impressed by his performance, MLB Pipeline honored Klein as the Royals’ Pitching Prospect of the Year, leading to a promotion to the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals in the subsequent year.
However, Klein faced setbacks due to shin splints at the start of the 2022 season, causing a shift from the starting rotation to the bullpen upon his return. Despite his efforts, his second season in the minors was challenging, marked by a high 10.51 ERA and a 2.43 WHIP in 43.2 innings.
A Glimpse of Hope in 2023: Rise and Challenges
Staying in Double-A at the beginning of the 2023 season, Klein started to regain his form with a 3.38 ERA in 29.1 innings before earning a promotion to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers in June. Although his Triple-A stint saw him struggle with a 5.66 ERA and a 1.86 WHIP in 35 innings, Klein’s potential was acknowledged as he represented the Royals at the 2023 All-Star Futures Game.
Recognizing his talent, the Royals added Klein to their 40-man roster in November 2023 to shield him from the Rule 5 Draft. Despite this, he began the 2024 season back in Triple-A and later received a call-up to the majors in April, making his MLB debut with the Royals. However, a trade in July led him to the Athletics, where he had a limited impact in the remaining games of the season.
Brighter Horizons in Seattle: A Story of Redemption
Despite his struggles, Klein remains a promising back-end reliever with a formidable pitching arsenal, including a powerful four-seamer that clocks in at 97 mph, complemented by a curveball and a slider. At just 25 years old, Klein’s initial challenges in the major leagues should not overshadow his potential for growth and success.
As Klein embarks on his journey with the Seattle Mariners, the question arises of whether he will secure a spot in the major league bullpen for the upcoming season or hone his skills in Triple-A to refine his control. The decision may hinge partially on his performance during spring training. Nevertheless, the Mariners’ reputation for nurturing young talent positions Klein as a compelling candidate for a redemption narrative, waiting to unfold.