Dodgers' Alex Vesia opens up about loss of newborn daughter

Pitcher speaks publicly for first time since tragedy during 2025 World Series

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dodgers left-hander Alex Vesia spoke publicly for the first time since he and his wife, Kayla, lost their newborn daughter in the middle of last year's World Series. Vesia delivered an emotional statement, battling tears as he shared the devastating loss of their daughter Sterling and the outpouring of support they've received from the baseball community.

Why it matters

Vesia's personal tragedy during the high-stakes 2025 World Series highlights the human side of professional sports, reminding fans that even elite athletes face unimaginable challenges in their personal lives. His courage in speaking openly about his grief underscores the importance of mental health support for players and the power of community in times of profound loss.

The details

Vesia pitched a perfect inning in the Dodgers' playoff victory over the Brewers that sent them to the World Series. Just nine days later, his newborn daughter died. Four months later, Vesia publicly addressed the media, reading from a prepared statement and struggling to get through the details of his daughter's passing and the pain his family has endured.

  • Vesia pitched a perfect inning in the Dodgers' playoff victory over the Brewers that sent them to the 2025 World Series.
  • Nine days later, Vesia's newborn daughter died.
  • Four months later, on February 13, 2026, Vesia publicly addressed the media about his loss.

The players

Alex Vesia

A left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who lost his newborn daughter during the 2025 World Series.

Kayla Vesia

Alex Vesia's wife, who experienced the tragic loss of their newborn daughter with him.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who expressed empathy for Vesia's unimaginable loss.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home, but we're carrying her with us every day...”

— Alex Vesia, Dodgers pitcher

“The lessons we've learned from this is that life can change in an instant. Ten minutes is all it took....”

— Alex Vesia, Dodgers pitcher

“Sterling Sol was the most beautiful girl in the world...we got to hold her, change her diaper, read to her, and love her… Our time together was far too short.”

— Alex Vesia, Dodgers pitcher

“I can't think of anything worse.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

“When Kay and I were watching the World Series, we noticed that there was (No.) 51 on Louie Varland's hat. I immediately texted Gus Varland, his brother, and I asked him if I was seeing that correctly. He texted me back right away and he said, 'The Varlands love you dude. The whole Toronto bullpen has it too. It's bigger than baseball. We love you all.' Kay and I… we were very emotional. We were super overwhelmed with emotion.”

— Alex Vesia, Dodgers pitcher

What’s next

Vesia is expected to be an important setup man for the Dodgers this season as the team counts on him to return to his strong form after the tragedy.

The takeaway

Vesia's public sharing of his unimaginable loss and the outpouring of support he and his wife have received from the baseball community underscores the human side of professional sports and the importance of mental health support for athletes facing profound personal challenges.