From being left off the initial postseason roster to delivering a lights-out performance in the longest World Series game in recent memory, Will Klein transformed into an unexpected hero for the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcasing the depth and resilience of a championship contender.
In a sport often dominated by household names and mega-contracts, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ epic 18-inning victory in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays delivered a story tailor-made for baseball lore. While superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman played pivotal roles, the spotlight ultimately belonged to a less-known figure: relief pitcher Will Klein.
The Unprecedented Marathon Performance
Monday night’s Game 3, which stretched into Tuesday morning, was a grueling 6-hour, 39-minute affair. The Dodgers found themselves in a precarious position, their bullpen stretched to its absolute limits after numerous pitching changes. It was then that manager Dave Roberts turned to Will Klein, the ninth pitcher of the night, to navigate the crucial late innings.
The 25-year-old right-hander responded with a performance that defied all expectations. Klein held Toronto scoreless for the final four innings (the 15th through 18th), allowing only one hit, striking out five, and walking two. His 72 pitches were not only a career-high but the most he had thrown since his collegiate days at Eastern Illinois University. This remarkable outing earned him the win, paving the way for Freddie Freeman’s walk-off home run that secured the 6-5 victory.
Manager Dave Roberts praised Klein’s extraordinary effort, stating that he “gave us everything he had and more” when the team had few arms left. Klein himself was unwavering in his resolve, telling MLB.com, “We weren’t losing that game. I was going to keep going out there and do all I could to put up a zero, sit down, and do it again.”
From the Fringes to the Center Stage
What makes Klein’s story truly compelling is his journey to this career-defining moment. Just days before Game 3, he wasn’t even on the Dodgers’ active postseason roster. He had pitched a mere 15 innings during the regular season, mostly in low-leverage situations. Injuries and a depleted bullpen created an opening, and Klein seized it with both hands.
His path to the Dodgers has been a winding one:
- Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
- Traded to the then-Oakland Athletics in June 2024.
- Designated for assignment in January 2025.
- Dealt to the Seattle Mariners and designated for assignment again in May 2025.
- Acquired by the Dodgers for southpaw Joe Jacques, splitting time between Triple-A Oklahoma City and Los Angeles throughout the season.
This history highlights a player who persevered through numerous transitions, patiently waiting for his chance to shine on baseball’s biggest stage.
A Dream Night: Koufax, Superstar Praise, and a Ringing Phone
The surreal nature of Klein’s performance was compounded by the accolades he received after the game. In a moment that few pitchers will ever experience, the 89-year-old Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, a legendary Dodgers southpaw, personally congratulated Klein in the victorious clubhouse. Koufax, who stayed for the entire marathon, simply walked up to the 25-year-old, extended his hand, and said, “Nice going.”
The impact of his outing quickly reverberated beyond the clubhouse. Speaking to reporters before Game 4, Klein revealed that his phone had “exploded” with messages. He received over 500 text messages immediately after the game, and another 500 by the next morning. “I heard from every coach I ever had,” he laughed, noting that even his old T-ball coaches reached out to congratulate him. It was, as Klein put it, “just insane. I don’t think I could have dreamt a dream that good.”
Even amidst the celebration of established stars, Klein stood tall. Seeing players like Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts celebrate his individual effort was a powerful moment, solidifying his place in a team filled with future Hall of Famers.
The Impact and Future Implications
Klein’s heroics were not just about earning a win; they had significant strategic implications for the Dodgers. His extended outing saved other vital bullpen arms and, crucially, protected ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had thrown a complete game just two days prior. While it’s unlikely Klein will pitch in Game 4 after such a high pitch count, his performance undoubtedly bolstered the team’s morale and demonstrated its remarkable depth.
Currently in pre-arbitration, Klein’s salary is set to escalate to $820,000 in 2026. This breakout performance on the biggest stage could significantly impact his future with the team, etching his name into Dodger lore and potentially securing a more prominent role moving forward. His resilience and quiet determination exemplify the unheralded efforts that often define championship teams.
The Dodgers’ Game 3 victory was an “instant classic” for many reasons, as described by USA Today, from Ohtani’s record-setting plate appearances to Freeman’s clutch homer. But it was Will Klein, the unlikeliest of heroes, who delivered the kind of unforgettable moment that truly captivates baseball fans and cements a legacy.
