In October 2025, amid the intense World Series showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla faced the heartbreaking loss of their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol. On a Friday in February 2026, Vesia publicly expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him and his family during this profoundly difficult period.
The couple had announced their pregnancy in April 2024, anticipating their first child. On October 23, one day before the World Series began, the Dodgers announced that Vesia would be stepping away from the team for a “deeply personal family matter,” without sharing further details or specifying when he might return.
Teams Show Solidarity Through Meaningful Tribute
During the World Series, the Dodgers’ relievers honored Vesia’s absence by wearing caps bearing his jersey number, 51, during Game 3 at Dodger Stadium. In a remarkable show of solidarity, the Blue Jays relievers reciprocated the gesture by donning the same No. 51 caps in Game 6 at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays relievers had “51” on their caps in Game 6 as a tribute to Alex Vesia from the Dodgers, who’s dealing with a personal matter. I think I said it before no matter the result, I’ll never forget this. Pure class from Toronto. pic.twitter.com/xXainaLs9M— The Eyes Source (@theeyessource)
Loss of Newborn Daughter Sterling Sol Shared Publicly
In November 2025, Vesia and his wife shared the painful news about their daughter Sterling Sol, who passed away minutes after birth on October 26. The announcement, made through a joint Instagram post, revealed the couple’s immense sorrow over the loss of their first child.
Alex Vesia just shared a message on his Instagram:Our little angel we love you forever & you’re with us always.Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday October 26th. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/2MzP1RELfM— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation)
Vesia Expresses Heartfelt Thanks to Supporters
Four months later, Vesia addressed media and fans with a prepared six-minute statement, thanking everyone who showed kindness and support. He specifically acknowledged the Dodgers organization, the Blue Jays, and the wider baseball community for their overwhelming compassion.
I will start off by thanking the Dodgers, Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, Doc, the whole coaching staff and all of my teammates… We are beyond grateful for what this organization has given us and has been for our family… I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the Toronto Blue Jays, their front office, coaching staff and players for showing us the support… We were super overwhelmed with emotion and the baseball community, the relationships we make along the way, it showed that it’s much bigger than baseball.
Alex Vesia said as a part of his statement
Support Beyond Baseball from Los Angeles Rams
In addition to baseball connections, Vesia and his wife received a touching gift from the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, who presented them with a signed jersey displaying the name “S. Vesia” and number 1. The couple has since framed the jersey, cherishing the show of support from the football community.
The Rams gifted Alex Vesia a jersey signed by their players with the name “S. Vesia” on the back and number 1.Vesia and his wife, Kayla, lost their newborn daughter, Sterling, back in October.What an incredible gift from the Rams 🙏 pic.twitter.com/fj4ySJlues— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation)
Alex Vesia’s Performance and Role on Dodgers
During the 2025 season, Vesia was a critical asset for the Dodgers bullpen. He recorded a 4-2 record over 59.2 innings with a 3.02 ERA and 5 saves throughout the regular season. In the postseason, he maintained a 2-0 record and a 3.86 ERA in 4.2 innings pitched, proving to be a reliable relief pitcher.
Return to Training and Encouragement from Team
After months away, Vesia rejoined Dodgers training camp on a Friday, marking his return to baseball after a deeply personal loss. He participated in bullpen sessions, throwing pitches alongside teammates and sharing lighter moments with staff. The Dodgers publicly welcomed him back with a warm message posted on their official social media accounts.
It’s good to have you back, Alex.
Los Angeles Dodgers on X
It’s good to have you back, Alex. 💙 pic.twitter.com/hsHySHbF2S— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers)
Contract Extension Secures Vesia for 2026 Season
In early November 2025, shortly before Vesia announced the devastating loss of his daughter, the Dodgers exercised their $3.55 million club option to retain Vesia for the 2026 campaign. This move came alongside another key contract decision involving Max Muncy, as the franchise works toward continuing its winning legacy.
Dodgers picked up Alex Vesia’s $3.55 million club option for 2026 pic.twitter.com/iefQqemg6L— DodgersMuse (@LADodgersMuse)
Looking Ahead to a Crucial Season for Vesia and the Dodgers
Having been with the Dodgers since 2021, Vesia is preparing for his sixth season with the team. As the Dodgers aim to secure a third consecutive World Series title, Vesia’s presence in the bullpen will be vital to their pursuit of continued success. His journey showcases resilience both on and off the field, symbolizing strength and hope following immense personal tragedy.
Blue Jays relievers had “51” on their caps in Game 6 as a tribute to Alex Vesia from the Dodgers, who’s dealing with a personal matter.
I think I said it before no matter the result, I’ll never forget this.
Pure class from Toronto. pic.twitter.com/xXainaLs9M
— The Eyes Source (@theeyessource) November 1, 2025
Alex Vesia just shared a message on his Instagram:
Our little angel we love you forever & you're with us always.
Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday October 26th. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/2MzP1RELfM
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 7, 2025
Alex Vesia read from a prepared statement when speaking to reporters this morning, thanking those who offered support after he and his wife, Kayla, lost their daughter during last year's World Series.
Vesia's full statement: pic.twitter.com/YaD56ZT7ci
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 13, 2026
The Rams gifted Alex Vesia a jersey signed by their players with the name “S. Vesia” on the back and number 1.
Vesia and his wife, Kayla, lost their newborn daughter, Sterling, back in October.
What an incredible gift from the Rams 🙏 pic.twitter.com/fj4ySJlues
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) January 26, 2026
It's good to have you back, Alex. 💙 pic.twitter.com/hsHySHbF2S
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 13, 2026
Dodgers picked up Alex Vesia's $3.55 million club option for 2026 pic.twitter.com/iefQqemg6L
— DodgersMuse (@LADodgersMuse) November 6, 2025
