Dodgers’ Alex Vesia Mourns Death of Infant Daughter Amid Team’s Championship Run
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia revealed that his infant daughter, Sterling, has passed away, expressing heartbreak while receiving an outpouring of support from teammates, the Blue Jays, and the broader baseball community.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia shared devastating news Friday, announcing that his infant daughter, Sterling, has died. The reliever, who missed the World Series due to what the team had earlier described as a “deeply personal family matter,” revealed the loss in an emotional post on social media alongside his wife, Kayla.
In their message, the Vesias shared a photograph of their baby holding their hands and wrote: “Our little angel, we love you forever and you’re with us always. Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday, October 26th. There are no words to describe the pain we’re going through but we hold her in our hearts and cherish every second we had with her.”
Vesia, 28, had been one of the Dodgers’ most dependable bullpen arms throughout the 2025 season, compiling a 4-2 record with a 3.02 ERA in 68 games, along with a 3.86 ERA in seven postseason appearances. His absence during the Fall Classic was felt both on the field and in the clubhouse, where teammates wore his number in solidarity.
As the Dodgers fought through a tense seven-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays to claim their second consecutive World Series championship, the emotional weight of Vesia’s situation resonated deeply within the organization.
1. Tributes and Support Across Baseball
In an extraordinary display of unity, players from both sides honored Vesia and his family during the championship series. Dodgers relievers took the field wearing No. 51 on their caps — a quiet yet powerful tribute to their absent teammate. The Blue Jays bullpen joined them in the gesture during Game 6, symbolizing how grief and compassion can transcend competition. Following the World Series, the Dodgers organization offered full support to Vesia, while the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) released a statement sending “love and support to Alex and Kayla Vesia at this difficult time.” The union added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Dodgers community.” In their Instagram post, the Vesias extended gratitude to the medical professionals who supported them through the ordeal, writing: “We want to thank the medical staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for taking care of our family.” They also recognized the unwavering compassion shown by the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and fans across the league. “Our baseball family showed up for us and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” the couple wrote. “Thank you, Dodger Nation, Blue Jays organization, and all baseball fans for your love and support. We have seen ALL your messages, comments, and posts. It’s brought us so much comfort.”
2. A Season Marked by Triumph and Tragedy
For Vesia and the Dodgers, the 2025 season will be remembered as both triumphant and deeply sorrowful. The team captured its second straight World Series title, defeating Toronto in seven games, yet their victory was shadowed by the grief of a teammate enduring unimaginable loss. Vesia’s contributions throughout the season were integral to Los Angeles’ championship pursuit. Known for his fiery presence on the mound and his resilience in high-leverage situations, he became a trusted reliever for manager Dave Roberts, often bridging the gap to the late innings. His absence during the World Series underscored just how much he meant to both the bullpen and the clubhouse. Teammates and fans alike have shared messages of sympathy and encouragement in the days following the announcement. While baseball often celebrates perseverance and strength, the Vesias’ tragedy has served as a poignant reminder of the human side of the sport — where family, compassion, and loss intersect beyond the diamond. As the offseason begins, the Dodgers organization has pledged to support the Vesias privately and respectfully as they navigate their grief. The team, while celebrating another championship, continues to stand behind one of its own in a moment of unimaginable sorrow.
3. The Power of Baseball’s Brotherhood
In moments like these, the competitive boundaries of the game fade away, revealing baseball’s deeper sense of fraternity. The way both teams and fans rallied around Alex and Kayla Vesia exemplified the unity that defines the sport at its best. For the Dodgers, their postseason triumph now carries added emotional weight — a championship achieved amid heartbreak, resilience, and solidarity. For the Vesias, the love shown by the baseball world has become a vital source of comfort as they remember their daughter’s brief but meaningful life. Across social media and within clubhouses, tributes have continued, reflecting how one family’s pain has touched an entire community. While words cannot ease their loss, the outpouring of support has reaffirmed a timeless truth in sports: behind every uniform is a person, and behind every victory, a story far greater than the game itself. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:638b820b-5d75-49c8-a09a-d999f99d2577-27” data-testid=“conversation-turn-56” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>
Alex Vesia’s heartbreaking loss has united the baseball world in compassion, with the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and fans rallying around the pitcher and his family during their time of grief.