Alex Vesia’s free agency has started to take shape, and the Miami Marlins have emerged as a team to watch.
The Dodgers left-hander has been one of the most reliable arms in Los Angeles since arriving in 2021, and his latest season only strengthened that case. Vesia posted a 2.64 ERA last year, striking out 74 and walking 32 over a career-high 72 appearances and 58 innings. He also ranked near the top of the league in swing-and-miss ability, landing in the 96th percentile, while his strikeout percentage checked in at the 95th percentile.
Opponents had a tough time squaring him up, too. Vesia’s expected batting average allowed was .164, which placed him in the 99th percentile.
Now 30 and set to turn 31 in April, Vesia is on the open market. Spotrac pegs his value at $7.1 million AAV and projects a two-year, $14.2 million deal. Kevin Barral of Fish on First reported that the Marlins are expected to pursue that kind of contract for a pitcher of Vesia’s caliber.
“Marlins fans should be familiar with him because he was their 17th-round selection in the 2018 MLB Draft and made his major league debut with Miami during the shortened 2020 season,” Barral wrote. “In 2026, Vesia threw 58 innings in 2.64 ERA, 3.10 FIP, 11.48 K/9 and 4.97 BB/9. His unique arm angle has consistently made his four-seamer effective despite below-average velocity.
“Vesia can get out batters from both sides with ease, which makes him an option to enter games at any time. He is also a great high-leverage option.”
That Miami connection is real, but so is the bond he built in Los Angeles. After the season, Vesia posted a message on Instagram thanking Dodgers fans and reflecting on a difficult year.
“By far the hardest year of my career. It’s hard to put into words what this season was like,” Vesia wrote on Instagram.
“Personal battles with confidence, expectations and highs and lows mentally. I can’t thank my teammates enough for picking me up on down days and dealing with my crazy ass on my high ones.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do want to say thank you to Dodger Nation for showing me so much love over the past six years, especially this year. I’m just a man on a mission!”
Vesia has been a key part of the Dodgers’ bullpen, but whether he stays in Los Angeles or lands somewhere else will be decided this offseason.
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