Dodgers’ Alex Vesia Shares How He and Wife Kayla Vesia Are Coping After Death of Newborn Daughter
Alex Vesia is keeping his late daughter close to his heart.
Three months after the death of his and wife Kayla Vesia’s newborn baby Sterling Sol Vesia, the Los Angeles Dodgers player spoke out for the first time and detailed how they’ve been coping with their grief.
“The lessons we’ve learned from this is that life can change in an instant,” the 29-year-old said during a press conference on Feb. 13. “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. Kay and I will keep those precious moments and memories to ourselves.”
He added, “I hope that anyone listening can empathize and respect our wishes for privacy as we continue to heal and as we navigate the ups and downs of a baseball season.”
Part of that healing process has included therapy, which Alex said he and Kayla—who tied the knot in January 2025—started about six weeks ago.
“It hasn’t been easy, but talking to someone has made a difference,” he shared. “I’ve learned that what has happened to us has also happened to so many families. And realizing that has deepened our empathy and our gratitude for this community.”
Alex—who is a relief pitcher for the Dodgers—first took an extended break ahead of the World Series in late October. As he put it, “Stepping away from the team and the brothers I go to war with every day was difficult. But it was also an easy decision because my family needed me. We still watched every pitch of the World Series, and for us, in so many ways, that was a light in our darkness.”
Amid his absence, both the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays paid tribute to him on the field as they wore his number 51 on their caps. Alex acknowledged how much that supportive gesture meant as he thanked both organizations and noted that it made him and Kayla “very emotional.”
“We were super overwhelmed with emotion and the baseball community, the relationships that you make along the way,” he said. “It showed that it’s much bigger than baseball.”
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix
He also expressed his gratitude to the “fans worldwide,” as well as the Los Angeles Rams, who sent him a jersey with all their signatures on it.
“The outpouring of love and support Kay and I have had over the past few months has been unmatched,” he said. “My DMs, messages are basically broken on Instagram from all the love … I’ve tried to read all the comments and everything, just because it’s meant the world.”
In addition to finding comfort in those messages, Alex said he’s been leaning into baseball to cope, traveling to Arizona in early November to train.
“I immediately got back into the gym. I started my throwing program,” he explained. “Having something to look forward to has helped me. The gym has been my mental clarity. Being around the guys again, preparing for spring training, it’s been really nice. Gotten a lot of love so far in the clubhouse, and being able to laugh and joke around, that’s been really nice for me.”
Stephen Brashear/Getty Images
And while the MLB player is still working through his grief, he emphasized the importance of therapy and encouraged others in similar situations to follow his and Kayla’s lead.
“For those out there who have lost a child, or are fighting through any struggle, if you can take anything from this: please seek help,” he said. “Talk to somebody. It’s definitely helped Kay and I. Please don’t be afraid to speak up. Your mental health matters.”
“The baseball community is extremely strong,” he added. “I was not prepared to not bring my baby girl home, but we’re carrying her with us every day. It’s been hard, but we’re doing OK.”
For a look at some of Alex and Kayla’s sweetest moments, keep reading…
Alex Vesia/Instagram
Hard Launch
Kayla Vesia and Alex Vesia went Instagram official in April 2019, with Kayla writing on social media at the time, “GAME OVER(literally & metaphorically).”
Alex Vesia/Instagram
Family Time
After Alex joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, Kayla and his parents proved their were his biggest fans while supporting him from the stands.
Alexa Vesia/Instagram
Three Years Strong
A year before he popped the question, Alex celebrated a huge milestone for the couple.
“Happy 3 Years Babe!” He wrote in an April 2022 post. “It’s gone by so fast! I love doing life with you! You make me the happiest guy in the world! I love you so much!”
Alex Vesia/Instagram
Next Chapter
The pair celebrated the 2023 holidays anticipating their wedding. As Alex wrote in a post at the time, “Merry Christmas from the future Vesias!!”
Alex Vesia/Instagram
A Perpetual Honeymoon Phase
After they tied the knot in January 2024, the couple embarked on their first vacation as newlyweds to Mexico.
Alex Vesia/Instagram
Cloud Nine
On the up and up. The couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary with a hot air balloon ride in January 2025.
Alex Vesia/Instagram
Baby on Board
The couple shared a glimpse into a date night as Kayla sported her baby bump, with Alex gushing in an Instagram post, “Baby bump + Date night = amazing evening with my wife!”
Kayla Vesia/Instagram
Celebrating Their Wins
After The Dodgers solidified their spot in the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Kayla celebrated her man in a post, writing, “& NOW… ONTO THE WORLD SERIES.”
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