Royals prospect reflects on being added to the 40-man roster

Photo Credit: Minda Haas Kuhlmann

Over the last three years, Will Klein has become a familiar name to Royals fans. The Bloomington native was selected by Kansas City in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB draft and has seen his value skyrocket due to his ability to miss bats. Earlier this month, he was rewarded for his efforts.

When the Royals had to decide who to protect from the Rule Five draft, they chose Klein and added him to the 40-man roster. For the Eastern Illinois product, it was a moment he will never forget.

“It was a little nerve-racking because you never know,” said Klein. “My agent and I thought I would be added, but they have to move other people, and there’s other stuff going into it to make those decisions. I was nervous the whole day and just sat around waiting on a phone call and didn’t do anything else. When it did come, it was a relief and solidified our place with the Royals.”

With his focus now on securing a spot in the majors, Klein will look to build on his success. In 115 games in the minors, the talented righty has posted a 5.50 ERA while striking out 269 batters. At each level, he has shown the ability to make adjustments.

“In 2021, it still felt like college ball,” said Klein. “It was a little less refined, and you could get by with what you did in college. In Double-A, the zone got smaller, and the hitters got more selective. I learned a lot mentally. In Triple-A, there were a lot more physical things, like being able to stay ready each day. Pitching In Triple-A and the show is pretty similar. If I could throw my curveball for a strike like I did in Double-A, I would have been fine, but I just struggled to at that level.”

Klein’s ability to adapt was part of the reason he finished the 2023 campaign in Triple-A. It also helped him earn a spot on the 2023 All-Star Futures roster where he shined alongside some of the best young talent in baseball.

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“It was awesome,” said Klein. “It was an honor to be selected for it and to represent the Royals. It was cool to be around the pitchers and see what they do before and how they are on the mound.”

When the 2024 season begins, Klein will find himself in a different spot than ever before. On a young Royals team, his opportunity in the majors could come sooner rather than later. Regardless of the timing, it is a moment Klein has been dreaming of and is ready to excel even if he’s asked to close out games.

“I love it,” said Klein. “There is nothing like it. Not a lot of guys are made for it, but it gets you going like no other spot does. It’s nice to build on that adrenaline especially at the other team’s place.”

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