Marlins Expected to Pursue Alex Vesia in Free Agency

The Miami Marlins are expected to consider a contract in the range of two years and $14.2 million for Alex Vesia, the left-handed reliever who began his major-league career with Miami. He is now a free agent after six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he became a regular part of the bullpen.

Vesia, who turns 31 in April, recorded a 2.64 ERA over 58 innings last season, appearing in a career-high 72 games. He struck out 74 batters and issued 32 walks. Opponents had a .164 expected batting average against him, and his swing-and-miss and strikeout rates ranked among the strongest in baseball.

His 2026 figures also included a 3.10 FIP, 11.48 strikeouts per nine innings and 4.97 walks per nine. Despite below-average fastball velocity, his unusual arm angle has helped make his four-seam pitch effective. He has been able to handle hitters on either side of the plate and is viewed as a possible option in high-pressure situations.

Miami selected Vesia in the 17th round of the 2018 draft, and he made his big-league debut with the Marlins during the shortened 2020 season. The Dodgers have also been an important part of his career: after the season, Vesia thanked the club’s fans and teammates, describing the year as difficult and reflecting on challenges with confidence and mental highs and lows.

Whether he returns to Los Angeles or signs elsewhere is expected to be resolved during the offseason.