Who is Will Klein? Meet the Dodgers newcomer who shined in relief during Game 3 of World Series vs. Blue Jays

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Who is Will Klein? Meet the Dodgers newcomer who shined in relief during Game 3 of World Series vs. Blue Jays

The Los Angeles Dodgers needed plenty of heroes in its Game 3 marathon with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 18-inning stalemate tested the limits of Los Angeles’ depth. Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith and Freddie Freeman all shined at different points in the contest. But as the game wore on, manager Dave Roberts had to get creative.

Case in point; giving an extended relief appearance to the recently-acquired Will Klein. Entering into Monday night’s game, Klein had never pitched more than two innings in a single game. Against Toronto, he tossed four of them.

So, just who is Klein? And how’d he leave his imprint on Game 3 against the Blue Jays? Here’s what you need to know.

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Who is Will Klein?

Klein is a 25-year old Dodgers reliever who was added to Los Angeles’ roster ahead of the World Series.

An Eastern Illinois alum, Klein was selected in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. He enjoyed a solid start to life in the Royals organization and was selected to the 2023 All-Star Futures Game. However, in July 2024, Klein was dealt to the Oakland Athletics in a move that saw Lucas Erceg move in the other direction.

MORE: Where Dodgers-Blue Jays Game 3 ranks among longest-ever World Series games

Klein played sparingly in the bigs during his time in Oakland, only featuring in three contests. In Jan. 2025, Klein was dealt to the Seattle Mariners. He only lasted four months in the Emerald City before being designated for assignment.

Klein arrived in Tinseltown via trade in June 2025. He enjoyed a sterling spell upon his arrival, posting a 2.35 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings.