Dodgers' Alex Vesia Speaks Publicly About Losing Newborn Daughter

Vesia's emotional comments serve as a sobering reminder of life's fragility beyond baseball

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia spoke publicly for the first time since the tragic death of his newborn daughter, Sterling Sol, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Dodgers organization, his teammates, and the broader baseball community. Vesia's heartbreaking story underscores the importance of mental health and perspective beyond the game.

Why it matters

Vesia's openness about his personal tragedy reminds sports fans that the players they root for are human beings facing real-life challenges. His comments serve as a powerful lesson about maintaining perspective and empathy, even when one's favorite team is struggling on the field.

The details

Vesia missed the 2025 World Series after the death of his newborn daughter. In his emotional comments, he thanked the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and baseball community for their overwhelming support during this difficult time. Vesia and his wife, Kayla, have been going to therapy to help them cope with the loss, and he has found solace in returning to baseball and the camaraderie of his teammates.

  • Vesia missed the 2025 World Series after the death of his newborn daughter.
  • Vesia returned to the Dodgers in early November 2025 and immediately resumed his offseason training program.

The players

Alex Vesia

A Dodgers pitcher who missed the 2025 World Series after the death of his newborn daughter, Sterling Sol.

Kayla Vesia

Alex Vesia's wife, who he described as the "strongest person" he knows and his support system.

Andrew Friedman

The president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Brandon Gomes

The general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“The outpouring of love and support Kay and I have had over the past few months has been unmatched. We're both grateful to not only Dodger nation, but the fans worldwide.”

— Alex Vesia, Dodgers Pitcher

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

What’s next

Vesia and his wife, Kayla, will continue to grieve the loss of their daughter and focus on their mental health through ongoing therapy. Vesia is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 Dodgers season.

The takeaway

Vesia's heartbreaking story serves as a poignant reminder that there are far more important things in life than the outcome of a baseball game. His openness and vulnerability provide perspective for sports fans, encouraging them to maintain empathy and keep the game's significance in proper context.