The Dodgers may have a familiar bullpen problem on their hands this offseason, and it centers on Alex Vesia.
The left-hander is headed for free agency, and according to The Athletic, he’s drawing heavy interest from more than half the league. The New York Mets are among the teams reportedly in the mix as they look for high-leverage bullpen help.
That kind of market makes Vesia look like a real candidate to leave Los Angeles. Over the last three seasons, he’s established himself as one of baseball’s top relievers, and his numbers with the Dodgers back that up: a 6.3 bWAR and a 2.66 ERA in 367 appearances over six years.
The timing is awkward for the Dodgers, who have already invested heavily in the bullpen in recent years. Edwin Diaz got three years and $69 million, while Tanner Scott landed four years and $72 million. With those commitments already on the books, it’s fair to wonder whether the Dodgers would want to pour more money into a non-closer.
Vesia, 30, has clearly pitched his way into multi-year money. The question is whether that deal comes from Los Angeles. Right now, it doesn’t sound likely.
The Dodgers also have another major priority sitting ahead of him: retaining two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who is also a free agent. GM Brandon Gomes said the Dodgers will be one of several teams meeting with Skubal in the near future, and Los Angeles acquired him from the Detroit Tigers in a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline.
So while a reunion with Vesia can’t be ruled out entirely, the early signs point elsewhere for the Dodgers. If he walks, it would leave a real hole in the bullpen, but the market is moving fast and the interest is already loud. The Dodgers need to be ready for the possibility that Vesia is gone.
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