The Los Angeles Dodgers appeared headed toward an arbitration hearing with Alex Vesia before the sides agreed to a one-year contract that also includes a team option and buyout for 2026.
Vesia and the Dodgers initially didn’t match up with their preferred salary before the deadline to exchange figures with arbitration-eligible players. That resulted in the left-hander being the only Dodgers arbitration player without a contract in place for the 2025 season.
“Arb is kind of weird,” Vesia said. “There’s certain numbers and things and whatnot, but at the end of the day, I know where I’m valued and I also know where the Dodgers value me too. Thankfully we were able to come to an agreement where both parties feel very confident with it.
“Regardless, I’m going out there and giving it my all, man. I love the game of baseball. It’s been great. Glad that it’s over, and now the focus is Spring Training.”
MLB Trade Rumors projected Vesia’s salary for the 2025 season to be in the neighborhood of $1.9 million.
The 28-year-old dazzled in 2024, posting another stellar season as one of Major League Baseball’s best relievers. In 67 games, Vesia posted a 1.76 ERA and 0.99 WHIP to go along with 87 strikeouts over 66.1 innings.
Vesia been an invaluable piece of the Dodgers bullpen since joining the team. Dating back to 2021, he owns a 2.57 ERA, 3.30 FIP and 1.12 WHIP.
Peeling back to layers to his 2024, Vesia was a top-10 relief pitcher in baseball. His .144 batting average allowed was third-best in MLB, and his 1.76 ERA ranked seventh-best.
Among left-handed relievers, his four-seam fastball has some of the best characteristics of any pitcher, while throwing it at a 63.3% rate, the highest of qualified players. Vesia now pairs up with Tanner Scott and Anthony Banda to easily give the Dodgers the best trio of lefty relievers in the league.
How Alex Vesia and Dodgers avoided arbitration
Vesia and the Dodgers ultimately agreed to a $2.25 million salary for 2025, and $3.55 million club option for 2026 with a $500,000 buyout. Vesia can also increase his option year to $3.725 million based on appearances this year.
Regardless of what unfolds, he’s guaranteed a minimum $2.75 million through the end of the year.
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