William Boone Klein’s rise from a small-town Indiana pitcher to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen breakout player reads like a movie script almost. Born on November 28, 1999, in Bloomington, Indiana, he has quickly become one of the most intriguing players of 2025. Mostly due to his Game 3 World Series heroics, where he belted a four-inning relief masterpiece and allowed just one hit and struck out five over 72 pitches.

That sure turned heads in MLB. Sure, Freeman and Ohtani were the stars there, but the Dodgers sure didn’t take that 2-1 lead without Will Klein. Learn about his life, his background, his contract, and more here.

Who Is Will Klein? Early Life and Background

Will Klein grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where his love for the game began early on. He attended Bloomington North High School, and it was there that, even with a broken thumb limiting him to just 17⅔ ⅔ innings as a senior, he struck out 30 batters and kept his 1.98 ERA. Those numbers impressed the scouts; he got himself the spot at Eastern Illinois University. But even there, his journey around the game was not a success.

His first two seasons were rough, with ERAs north of 5.00, but his junior year was all about growth. In 2020, before the world was rocked by the pandemic, he posted a 3.33 ERA and 33 strikeouts. His work ethic and his resilience then made him one of the top small school arms in the 2020 MLB Draft, where the Kansas City Royals selected him in the fifth round.

Will Klein’s Contract and Net Worth in 2025

Now fast forward to 2024, and Klein’s journey to the Majors has been anything but boring. He had stints with the Royals, Athletics, and Mariners. Then the Los Angeles Dodgers picked him up on June 2, 2025—and he has been electric ever since. Apart from the World Series heroics, he even posted a 0.00 ERA with five strikeouts in his initial outings.

As of 2025, he earns an MLB salary of almost $760,000 per year, with an estimated net worth of around $200,000. Much of his income comes from the team contracts and the minor league bonuses. Now, though, those numbers are expected to rise, given he is performing like a boss.

Who Is Will Klein’s Wife?

Off the field, Will Klein’s story is equally heartwarming and gracious. He is married to Carson Klein, who is a familiar face at Dodgers games and on social media. She is often seen supporting her husband. And the two have shared several milestones online, with Carson once posting a photo flaunting her engagement and proposal back in 2023.

After Will’s epic performance, Carson celebrated the moment, calling it “surreal.” Now, she has been by his side in the lows and highs. And though they keep things pretty private, there is no confirmation of any children or major family updates as of now.

Will Klein’s Professional Baseball Career

Kansas City Royals (2024)

Will Klein made his pro debut with the Kansas City Royals’ High-A affiliate—the Quad Cities River Bandits. It is there where he went 7-1 with a 3.20 ERA and struck out 121 batters in 36 outings. It had earned him the Royals’ Pitching Prospect of the Year award.

He debuted in MLB on April 28, 2024, and then got his first win a month later against the Padres.

Oakland Athletics (2024–2025)

Klein was then traded to the Athletics in July 2024, making three appearances before he was designated for assignment early this year.

Seattle Mariners (2025)

Will Klein then joined the Seattle Mariners in January this year, pitching in Triple-A Tacoma. However, struggles with his consistency led to a sad 7.17 ERA in 22 games, and so Seattle released him in May.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2025–Present)

The Los Angeles Dodgers then took a chance on him in June, and it has for sure paid off. Ohtani and Freeman didn’t save the game alone, so did Will Klein. His command and poise to perform under pressure were highlighted in Game 3 of the World Series.

Klein is known for his fastball, the sharp pitches, and his ability to stay poised. Coaches have praised his mental toughness, and maybe this has helped him rebound from the career struggles he has had. At 25, Will Klein’s story seems like it’s only getting started.