When you think about the future of Major League Baseball (MLB), a few young names instantly grab your attention — and Will Klein is one of them. With his explosive fastball, determined mindset, and consistent progress through the Kansas City Royals’ minor league system, Klein represents the next wave of dominant pitchers ready to make an impact at the professional level.
This comprehensive article explores Will Klein’s background, journey, career stats, development as a player, and what makes him one of the most promising pitchers to watch in the coming years.
Who Is Will Klein?
Will Klein is an American professional baseball player known for his outstanding pitching ability, especially his fastball that often touches the upper 90s in velocity. Born on February 6, 2000, Klein has rapidly climbed the ranks since being drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Eastern Illinois University.
At 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 230 pounds, Klein combines size, strength, and technical command, which make him an intimidating presence on the mound. His combination of velocity and control gives him the tools necessary to dominate hitters, and his steady improvement in the Royals’ system suggests that he’s on track for long-term success in professional baseball.
Early Life and Background
Will Klein grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, where his love for baseball began at a very young age. Encouraged by his family, he started pitching in local leagues before moving on to more competitive levels. During high school, he developed a reputation for his powerful arm and natural athleticism.
However, Klein wasn’t an early standout recruit. Many scouts overlooked him because he was still developing physically and mechanically. But Klein’s dedication to refining his craft, combined with his work ethic and desire to learn, set him apart from others.
After high school, he attended Eastern Illinois University, where his skills would evolve dramatically and his fastball would soon start reaching major-league speeds.
College Career at Eastern Illinois University
At Eastern Illinois, Klein’s development accelerated. Initially, he struggled with consistency and control — a common challenge for young pitchers with powerful arms. But with each season, Klein became more refined, mastering his mechanics and improving his mental approach to the game.
By his junior year, he had established himself as one of the top relievers in the Ohio Valley Conference. His fastball velocity began touching 100 mph, and scouts quickly took notice. His ability to mix speed with command made him one of the most promising pitching prospects in the country.
In college, Klein also added a strong breaking ball and worked on refining his secondary pitches, including a slider and a changeup. His strong work ethic and leadership qualities made him a standout both on and off the field.
By the time the 2020 MLB Draft arrived, Klein’s name was firmly on the radar of multiple professional teams, leading the Kansas City Royals to select him as a high-upside arm with significant potential.
MLB Draft and Entry into Professional Baseball
The 2020 MLB Draft was unique due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shortened the draft and disrupted minor league schedules. Despite these challenges, the Royals took a chance on Klein in the fifth round, recognizing his power arm and long-term potential as a future bullpen weapon or even a starter.
Upon signing with the Royals, Klein entered the organization’s development system, where he began working closely with pitching coaches to improve command and consistency. The Royals’ development team immediately recognized his raw potential and set up a plan focused on refining his mechanics and control.
His professional debut came in 2021, when he was assigned to the Royals’ minor league affiliate. Klein impressed quickly with his strikeout ability and poise under pressure.
Minor League Journey and Career Progress
Since entering the minor leagues, Will Klein’s performance trajectory has been steadily upward. He started with High-A Quad Cities River Bandits, where he showcased a dominant strikeout rate. His ability to overpower hitters made him a key contributor to the team’s bullpen and later a potential starting option.
In 2022, Klein advanced to Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals, where he faced tougher competition and worked on improving his secondary pitches. His fastball continued to be elite, often registering between 97 and 100 mph. The focus during this stage was on improving control, limiting walks, and developing consistency across outings.
In 2023, Klein moved closer to his MLB debut as he joined the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers. Here, he displayed improved maturity and confidence, recording more strikeouts and showing better command of his pitches.
Across his minor league career, Klein’s strikeout rate has been consistently high, showing his ability to dominate hitters. Scouts often describe him as having one of the best pure fastballs in the Royals’ system, and his progress indicates he could soon become a valuable MLB bullpen asset or possibly a starting pitcher depending on team needs.
Pitching Style and Strengths
One of the most notable aspects of Will Klein’s game is his pitching arsenal. His main weapon is his fastball, which frequently touches triple digits. The pitch has excellent late life, making it extremely difficult for hitters to square up.
He complements his fastball with a slider and a changeup, both of which continue to improve as he gains experience. The slider, in particular, serves as his go-to strikeout pitch, generating swings and misses even from advanced hitters.
Here are some of his key strengths:
- Velocity: Klein’s fastball consistently reaches 97–100 mph, ranking among the top velocity arms in the Royals’ system.
- Pitch Movement: His pitches show natural movement, making it difficult for hitters to predict the ball’s final location.
- Mental Toughness: Known for his calm demeanor, Klein maintains focus under pressure, an essential quality for late-inning roles.
- Physical Durability: Standing tall with a strong frame, Klein has the physical makeup to handle the rigors of a full season.
- Adaptability: He has shown the ability to learn quickly and adjust to higher competition levels each season.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Like many young pitchers, Will Klein has faced challenges along his development journey. The primary area of focus has been command and control. While his fastball is electric, locating it consistently in the strike zone remains a key area for improvement.
Additionally, refining his secondary pitches is critical for long-term success at the MLB level. As hitters become more advanced, relying solely on fastball velocity isn’t enough. Developing a sharper slider and a deceptive changeup will ensure he can keep hitters off balance.
Klein has also been working on his pitch sequencing, understanding when to use each pitch to maximize effectiveness.
Despite these challenges, Klein’s progression has been steady. The Royals’ coaching staff continues to invest time and training into his development, confident that his raw tools will translate into a productive MLB career.
Future Outlook: Will Klein’s MLB Potential
Looking ahead, Will Klein’s future with the Kansas City Royals appears bright. With the organization focused on rebuilding and developing homegrown talent, Klein has a clear path to becoming a key contributor to the pitching staff.
His velocity, strikeout potential, and physical build position him perfectly for roles such as:
- High-Leverage Reliever: Klein’s fastball and slider combination make him a natural fit for setup or closer duties.
- Starting Pitcher: With continued development of his secondary pitches, he could transition into a rotation spot.
- Bullpen Anchor: His consistent velocity and confidence under pressure make him a strong option for late innings.
If he continues to improve command and secondary pitch reliability, a major league debut seems inevitable within the next season or two.
Scouts project Klein to become either a dominant reliever or a solid mid-rotation starter, depending on how his development continues. His journey so far reflects a mix of perseverance, athleticism, and dedication — traits that often define successful MLB players.
Will Klein’s Impact on the Kansas City Royals Organization
The Royals have been investing heavily in developing young pitching talent, and Will Klein is central to that strategy. His emergence represents a key part of the team’s long-term plan to strengthen its bullpen and rotation depth.
Beyond his on-field talent, Klein has earned praise for his leadership qualities and professionalism. Coaches describe him as a “student of the game,” always eager to learn and apply feedback.
In the minor leagues, he’s served as a mentor to younger players, emphasizing the importance of preparation and mental discipline. These off-field traits further boost his reputation as not just a talented player, but also a dependable teammate and potential future leader within the organization.
Comparison with Other Prospects
To understand Klein’s value, it’s worth comparing him with similar players. Within the Royals’ system, he’s often mentioned alongside other top pitching prospects due to his elite fastball and strikeout ability.
Compared to peers across other organizations, Klein’s velocity and physical profile put him in the same conversation as rising MLB arms known for power pitching. What differentiates him is his size, mental toughness, and the rapid rate of his improvement since college.
Off-the-Field Personality
While most of the spotlight falls on his performance, Will Klein is also known for his grounded personality. He often speaks about maintaining a strong work ethic, focusing on daily improvement, and staying humble despite success.
Off the field, he enjoys spending time with family and engaging with fans, reflecting the kind of balanced character teams value highly. His leadership and positive attitude contribute to the culture of teamwork and accountability that the Royals are striving to build.
Will Klein’s Long-Term Legacy and Goals
Though his professional career is still in its early stages, Will Klein’s long-term goals are clear: to make it to the Major Leagues and establish himself as one of the most reliable pitchers in the game.
He’s already shown the potential to achieve that through his performance in the minor leagues, his adaptability, and his commitment to constant improvement. If he continues on this path, he could very well become a cornerstone of the Royals’ pitching staff for years to come.
Klein’s story is also an inspiring one for young athletes who may not be highly recruited out of high school. His journey shows that perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to learn can lead to success at the highest levels of competition.
FAQs About Will Klein
1. Who is Will Klein?
Will Klein is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Kansas City Royals organization. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft from Eastern Illinois University and is known for his high-velocity fastball and strikeout ability.
2. What position does Will Klein play?
Klein is a pitcher, primarily working in relief roles, though he has the potential to transition into a starting pitcher as his secondary pitches continue to develop.
3. What makes Will Klein a top prospect?
His elite fastball, which can reach 100 mph, combined with his improving slider and strong work ethic, make him one of the Royals’ most exciting pitching prospects.
4. Has Will Klein made his MLB debut?
As of now, Klein has not yet made his official MLB debut, but based on his progression through the Royals’ farm system, it’s likely he will be called up in the near future.
5. What are Will Klein’s long-term goals?
Klein’s long-term goals include establishing himself as a consistent Major League pitcher, contributing to the Royals’ success, and continuing to refine his craft to reach his full potential.
Conclusion
Will Klein’s baseball journey exemplifies determination, discipline, and raw talent. From a relatively overlooked high school player to one of the most promising arms in the Kansas City Royals’ system, his rise is a testament to perseverance and self-belief.
As Klein continues to develop, refine his command, and polish his secondary pitches, the baseball world eagerly anticipates his major league debut. Whether as a dominant reliever or a reliable starter, Will Klein’s name is sure to become a familiar one to baseball fans across the country.
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