Seattle Mariners Acquire Hard-Throwing Reliever Will Klein from Oakland Athletics
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
By Tremayne Person
The Seattle Mariners made another strategic move on Tuesday, acquiring 25-year-old relief pitcher Will Klein from the Athletics in exchange for international cash. This transaction adds another power arm to Seattle's bullpen as the team looks to address its pitching depth for the upcoming season.
Klein's addition to the Mariners' 40-man roster came at the expense of left-handed reliever Tyler Jay, who was recently claimed off waivers just a couple weeks ago. Jay has now been designated for assignment, and there is a strong possibility that he could clear waivers and remain within the Mariners' organization.
Klein brings an interesting skill set to Seattle's bullpen. Having previously pitched for both the Kansas City Royals and the Athletics, he has yet to find a consistent role in the majors. However, his raw potential creates a strong case. Klein features a high-octane fastball that regularly sits in the upper 90s and can occasionally touch triple digits. Complementing his heater is a low-80s curveball and an upper-80s slider, a combination that, when harnessed effectively, can disrupt hitters' timing and generate swing-and-miss results.
While Mariners fans have been eager to see improvements to the infield this offseason, it's evident that the bullpen required attention as well. Injuries and inconsistent performances plagued Seattle's relief corps throughout the 2024 season, highlighting a key weakness that the front office is committed to addressing. The addition of Klein underscores the team's dedication to strengthening their bullpen depth and avoiding the missteps of inactivity that hindered their success last year.
If Klein can refine his control and harness his arsenal, he has the potential to carve out a valuable role in Seattle's bullpen. The Mariners are hoping that a change of scenery and their renowned pitching development program will help unlock Klein’s full potential.
