Unexpected Dodgers Pitcher Named ‘Secret Weapon’ for 2026

ESPN’s David Schoenfield named Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Will Klein as a key part of LA’s bullpen during the 2026 season. The Dodgers’ bullpen has been fantastic in 2026, and is one of just three teams yet to allow a run in relief. Among the three teams whose bullpens have held opponents scoreless, the Dodgers have pitched the most innings(11.

2). Klein has pitched two of those 11. 2 innings, and could be ready for a bigger role after his World Series heroics in 2025.

“After Los Angeles’ bullpen struggled last season, it started 2026 with 11⅔ scoreless innings,” Schoenfield wrote. “The secret weapon here might be World Series star Will Klein . Despite his 72-pitch, four-inning outing to win Game 3, Klein was hardly a lock to make the roster this year.

But he had a strong spring training and, combined with several Dodgers pitchers still being on the IL, he cracked the Opening Day roster. Klein throws 98 mph, so the arm strength has never been in doubt. If he can pitch strikes, he could emerge as a key guy in a much-improved Dodgers pen.