The Los Angeles Dodgers made an under-the-radar move prior to the start of Spring Training in 2021 when they acquired Alex Vesia and Minor League pitcher Kyle Hurt from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Dylan Floro.
Vesia struggled in his limited opportunities with the Marlins but the Dodgers liked what they saw and took a chance on him. It wound up paying off as the left-hander enjoyed a breakout season, posting a 2.25 ERA with 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 40 games.
Vesia went on to allow just one run in seven postseason appearances that year. “I feel really confident. I know I’ve put in the hard work and we’re seeing it when the time comes,” he said at the time.
“I just needed some time to get comfortable with it basically. Nothing stood out. I think just clearing my head and building on good inning after good inning after good inning helps. Nothing too crazy. Just kind of building confidence one inning at a time.”
Vesia entered the 2022 campaign as more of a known quantity and picked right back up where he left off. The Alpine, California native went 5-0 with a 2.15 ERA, 2.12 FIP, 1.12 WHIP and 13.1 strikeouts per nine in 54.1 innings pitched (63 games).
Vesia continued pitching well in the playoffs as he did not give up a run in three appearances against the San Diego Padres during the National League Division Series.
Alex Vesia 2022 highlight
From July 22 through the end of the regular season, Vesia allowed only one run and 18 baserunners in 25 innings of work — good for a minuscule 0.36 ERA and 0.72 WHIP. The 26-year-old recorded 40 strikeouts against nine walks over the span.
Vesia also began the 2022 season with 10 consecutive scoreless appearances (8.2 innings pitched).
2023 outlook
Vesia is among the Dodgers under team control for the 2023 season with less than three years of service time. He will be eligible for salary arbitration in 2024 and isn’t scheduled to become a free agent until the end of the 2026 season.
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