Royals prospect not taking Spring Breakout games for granted
In three days, baseball's future stars will take center stage in the Spring Breakout games. The four-day event will showcase the top prospects of each organization.
Will Klein was one of the players named to the Royals roster, and it is not something he is taking for granted.
“Means a lot to be considered a part of the team’s and the league’s future,” Klein told Beyond The Monster on Friday." The trust and faith that the team has put into myself and everyone else selected is great to have, and it really solidifies your place with the team, and I look forward to getting to repay that trust in this game and in the future.”
For Klein, it is another milestone in what has been an unforgettable offseason. The Royals added Klein to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from being taken in the Rule 5 Draft, a move that showed the Royals see him as a key piece of their future.
In 49 games during the 2023 campaign, Klein posted a 4.62 ERA and struck out 93 batters. While splitting time between two levels, the talented right-hander added four saves to his resume. On a young team like the Royals, Klein could be an intriguing bullpen piece due to his ability to reach triple digits with his fastball.
While his focus is on continuing his climb through the minors, the Spring Breakout game is special to Klein because of who will get to see him play on TV.
“ It’ll be nice to finally make a televised spring training game because my family has been waiting to watch one so I know they’ll be excited for that,” Klein said.
The former fifth-round pick is also looking forward to facing some of the best hitters in the Brewers system.
“ I’m looking forward to facing a group of guys that I’ll hopefully face the next ten years so it’ll be nice to get a head start on those matchups,” Klein said.
On March 17, Klein and the Royals will take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Sunrise Stadium.
