Dodgers' Fireballing Reliever Poised for Breakout Season

Emerging closer not named Edwin Diaz could be key to Dodgers' 100-win aspirations.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold blues and reds depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, conveying the dynamic energy of the Dodgers' relief corps.A cubist interpretation of a Dodgers relief pitcher's explosive delivery captures the raw power and energy of the team's revamped bullpen.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a major offseason splash by signing star closer Edwin Diaz, but another hard-throwing reliever in their bullpen could be the secret weapon that propels the team to 100 wins in 2026. After relying heavily on starting pitchers in the bullpen last season, the Dodgers are hoping a breakout year from 24-year-old Will Klein will solidify their relief corps.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' bullpen was a weakness in 2025, forcing them to overwork their starting pitchers. A dominant setup man to complement Diaz could be the difference between another World Series title and an early playoff exit for the perennial contenders.

The details

At 6'5" and 225 pounds, Will Klein features a blazing 98 mph fastball that he pairs with a devastating slider. After a strong debut in 2025, the Dodgers are counting on Klein to emerge as an elite late-inning option and take pressure off their rotation.

  • Klein made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in August 2025.
  • The Dodgers signed closer Edwin Diaz to a record-breaking contract this offseason.

The players

Will Klein

A 24-year-old right-handed relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his overpowering 98 mph fastball.

Edwin Diaz

The Dodgers' new star closer, signed to a lucrative free agent contract this offseason after leading the league in saves in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Will Klein has the stuff to be a dominant late-inning arm for us. If he takes that next step, our bullpen could be unstoppable.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

Klein will look to build on his strong 2025 debut and cement his role as the Dodgers' primary setup man ahead of Diaz this spring.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' offseason focus on upgrading their bullpen could pay huge dividends if young fireballer Will Klein emerges as an elite late-inning option alongside new closer Edwin Diaz, giving the team the dominant relief corps they lacked in 2025.