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Will Klein could have been the breakout hero of final yr’s World Sequence, however the Dodgers pitcher insists life hasn’t modified a lot—at the least not when he’s out and about in Los Angeles.
“I may stroll round downtown and folks wouldn’t discover you in the event that they weren’t in search of you,” Klein mentioned in an unique interview on “Dodgers Dugout Dwell,” reflecting on the months since his surprising ascent from minor leaguer to postseason sensation.
But, anybody following social media is aware of in another way. Klein’s feeds have exploded with new followers, messages and recognition–particularly every time a clip of his postseason heroics goes viral.
Fame, nonetheless, hasn’t gone to Klein’s head.
“I nonetheless really feel like the identical man I used to be earlier than,” he mentioned, although he admitted perks akin to elevated model partnerships have began coming his means. “That’s been an added bonus. However I simply attempt to take it like nothing’s modified.”
It’s been a whirlwind for Klein, 26, who was staring down an unsure future initially of the 2025 season. After being designated for project by the Seattle Mariners whereas with their Triple A affiliate in Tacoma, Washington, Klein recalled the sinking feeling of waking as much as missed calls and the conclusion that his future was in limbo.
“I simply sat there, my spouse and I have been like, ‘what can we do? We don’t know the place we’re going to go,’” he mentioned. “We didn’t know if we have been going to be claimed, traded, no matter.”
That uncertainty was short-lived. By the top of that day, Klein discovered the Los Angeles Dodgers had traded for him, rapidly injecting hope and pleasure into his season.
“Being in Tacoma, probably not understanding what’s occurring, after which getting traded, going to L.A., assembly [Dave] Roberts, the complete workers, and attending to share a locker room with Shohei Ohtani … I don’t assume you possibly can have performed way more of a 180 in baseball,” he mentioned.
“Feeling needed by one other group actually re-instills confidence, however particularly when it’s the Dodgers,” he continued.
What Modified for Will Klein in Los Angeles?
The Dodgers, recognized for scouting and recommissioning uncooked expertise, rapidly set to work reinventing Klein’s pitching strategy.
Simplification was key: coaches honed in on his pure strengths — curveball, fastball, and creating a cutter — whereas serving to him shelve an ineffective slider that had plagued him within the minors.
Klein credit the Dodgers for instilling perception and readability. “Having these conversations with everybody there … sort of reinvigorated me and simply motivated me to maintain going,” he mentioned.
That conviction translated right into a 2.35 ERA for Klein and, extra importantly, indelible postseason moments. He proved his mettle throughout his star-making efficiency in Recreation 3 of the World Sequence, cementing his place amongst Dodgers playoff legends.
Whereas Klein downplays his newfound fame, he acknowledges the position the followers and social media have performed in pushing him ahead. Messages from admirers nationwide, particularly through the holidays, have supplied him added motivation heading into the 2026 season.
Now, with Spring Coaching on the horizon, Klein’s objectives are clear: preserve constructing confidence, sharpen his execution and safe a spot on the Dodgers’ opening day roster.
For the once-overlooked reliever, the approaching season is one other probability to show that his story is much from a one-hit marvel.
“To have the ability to go and play a giant position in that sort of sport, it positively makes you’re feeling such as you’re part of the group, such as you should be there slightly extra,” he mentioned. “And particularly for years onward. I’ll at all times have that behind my thoughts.”
Photograph Credit score: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Photos
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