In the wake of an unimaginable loss, Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla have opened up about the heartbreaking death of their newborn daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, sharing their grief with the world in a poignant Instagram post on November 7, 2025. The couple, who had joyfully announced their pregnancy in April, revealed that Sterling passed away on October 26, just days before the Dodgers clinched their second consecutive World Series title against the Toronto Blue Jays. This tragic news sheds light on Vesia’s sudden absence from the Fall Classic, a decision made to support his family during their darkest hour, and has sparked an outpouring of love from the MLB community and fans alike.
“Our beautiful daughter went to heaven Sunday October 26th,” the Vesias wrote in their joint statement, accompanied by a black-and-white photo capturing their hands gently cradling Sterling’s tiny one—a tender image that captures both profound sorrow and fleeting joy. “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. Our little angel we love you forever & you’re with us always.” The post, which quickly amassed thousands of supportive comments, underscores the raw vulnerability of the couple as they navigate this profound loss. While the Vesias did not disclose the cause of Sterling’s death—leading to online speculation about a possible stillbirth—they emphasized the comfort found in memories of their brief time together, turning a private tragedy into a message of enduring love.
Alex Vesia’s leave of absence was first announced by the Dodgers on October 23, the eve of Game 1 against the Blue Jays, with the team issuing a somber statement on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart that we share that Alex Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife Kayla navigate a deeply personal family matter. The entire Dodgers organization is sending our thoughts to the Vesia family, and we will provide an update at a later date.” This vague phrasing at the time respected the family’s privacy, allowing Vesia to step away without the added pressure of public scrutiny during what would become a grueling seven-game series. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman later explained the roster decision in a press conference on October 24, stressing the priority of family over competition: “We just didn’t want to have any potential for any kind of pressure. This is so much bigger than baseball. For us, it was doing whatever small part we could to just 100 percent be supportive.” Vesia, a key bullpen arm with a 3.02 ERA over 68 regular-season appearances in 2025, had been instrumental in the Dodgers’ postseason push, boasting a 2-0 record and 3.86 ERA in seven earlier outings. His absence left a void, but it also highlighted the humanity at the heart of professional sports.
The Dodgers’ World Series run against the Blue Jays was nothing short of epic, a seven-game thriller that culminated in a 5-4 victory on November 1 at Rogers Centre, marking LA’s ninth championship in franchise history and their first repeat since the New York Yankees’ dynasty in the late 1990s. Game 7 alone was a masterpiece of resilience: Trailing 4-3 in the ninth, second baseman Miguel Rojas crushed a tying home run off Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman—his first extra-base hit of the postseason—before catcher Will Smith delivered the game-winner, a solo shot off Shane Bieber in the 11th inning. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, pitching in relief just a day after a 96-pitch start, sealed the deal with a double play off Alejandro Kirk, stranding the tying run at the plate. The series, hailed by ESPN as “the greatest that was ever played,” featured elite defense from Toronto—highlighted by Daulton Varsho’s diving grab and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s foul-territory snag—and the Dodgers’ signature grit, pushing them to the brink before their dynasty-defining triumph. Amid the confetti and celebrations, Vesia’s empty locker served as a poignant reminder that some victories come at an unthinkable cost.
In a touching show of solidarity, Vesia’s teammates honored him on the field starting in Game 3 on October 27. Dodgers relievers scrawled his jersey number, 51, on the side of their blue caps, a subtle yet powerful tribute that extended through the series. Remarkably, the Blue Jays’ bullpen joined in during Game 6, bridging the divide between rivals in a rare display of cross-league empathy. “I’m new to the bullpen, but Ves, he means a lot to all of us,” said veteran starter Clayton Kershaw after Game 3, reflecting on the gesture. “And he was a huge part of this team, huge part of that bullpen. So, we just wanted to do something to honor him.” Game 3 hero Will Klein echoed the sentiment on October 28: “There’s bigger things than baseball. He’s in all of our hearts.” This collective act of kindness resonated far beyond the diamond, transforming Vesia’s personal tragedy into a unifying moment for baseball’s extended family.
The Vesias’ gratitude toward this “baseball family” shone through in their Instagram post, where they extended thanks to the Dodgers for their unwavering support: “Thank you to the Dodgers for their understanding and support during this time. Our baseball family showed up for us and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them.” They also acknowledged the Blue Jays organization and the broader fanbase, noting, “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.” The outpouring was immediate and overwhelming; the MLB Players Association issued a statement of solidarity, while fans flooded social media with #PrayForVesia and heartfelt messages. Even the Toronto faithful, still stinging from their near-miss at a first Canadian crown since 1993, rallied around the couple, proving that in baseball, compassion knows no borders.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles received special mention for the compassionate care provided to Kayla and Sterling. “Lastly, we’d like to thank Cedars Sinai and all the medical staff who helped Kayla and Sterling. Every person we came across was truly so incredible,” the Vesias concluded, signing off as “With Love, The Vesias.” This nod highlights the vital role of healthcare professionals in such crises, a sentiment echoed by organizations like March of Dimes, which advocates for maternal and infant health amid rising awareness of stillbirth risks—estimated at 1 in 175 U.S. pregnancies annually.
Reflecting on Alex and Kayla’s journey offers a glimpse into the love that now sustains them through grief. The couple first went Instagram official in April 2019, when Alex was pitching for the Clinton LumberKings in collegiate summer ball. Kayla’s caption—”GAME OVER (literally & metaphorically)”—captured the playful spark that defined their early days. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship—Kayla in California, Alex grinding through the Miami Marlins’ minor leagues and Arizona Fall League—they built a foundation of unwavering support. By 2021, when Alex traded to the Dodgers, Kayla and his parents became fixtures in the stands, cheering his electric left-handed relief outings that included a career-high 68 appearances in 2025.
Milestones piled up: A Christmas 2022 post teased “future Vesias” with engagement hints, followed by Alex’s proposal that November. They wed on January 5, 2024, dubbing it the “best day of our lives,” and jetted off to Mexico for a sun-soaked honeymoon. Their first anniversary in January 2025 featured a romantic hot air balloon ride, a whimsical nod to dreams taking flight. April brought the pregnancy reveal—”Baby Vesia coming soon, we are beyond excited for this next chapter!”—complete with ultrasound snaps and Alex’s gushing captions like “Baby bump + Date night = amazing evening with my wife!” As the Dodgers stormed toward the World Series, Kayla posted hype: “& NOW…,” blending family anticipation with playoff fever.
This timeline of tenderness makes Sterling’s loss all the more devastating, a cruel interruption to what promised a vibrant expansion of their world. Yet, in sharing their story, the Vesias have invited a global embrace, reminding us that grief, like joy, is amplified in community. Alex, who turns 30 in April 2026, has not commented on his return timeline, but Dodgers brass has signaled flexibility, prioritizing his healing. As the team basks in back-to-back titles—the first repeat in 25 years—Vesia’s resilience will undoubtedly inspire, much like his slider baffles hitters.
The baseball world, from Dodger blue to Blue Jays red, stands united in this moment. Messages from stars like Clayton Kershaw and even Blue Jays skipper John Schneider pour in, affirming that while the game goes on, some bonds transcend the scoreboard. For Alex and Kayla, Sterling Sol Vesia remains a beacon—tiny, eternal, and forever etched in their hearts. In a sport of endless innings, their story teaches that love, once kindled, pitches perfect games against even the deepest shadows.
