The baseball world has been shaken by devastating news from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and his wife Kayla, who announced the death of their baby daughter, Sterling Sol Vesia, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. In an emotional Instagram post, the couple shared that their little girl had passed away shortly after birth, writing, “Our little angel, we love you forever & you’re with us always. 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.”
The Vesias’ statement was met with an outpouring of love and condolences from fans, teammates, and the broader baseball community. The Dodgers organization, in particular, expressed deep sympathy and pledged their full support to the family during this unimaginable time.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
Alex and Kayla had shared the joyful news of their first pregnancy earlier in 2025. The couple, who married in 2023, often posted glimpses of their life together, filled with excitement about becoming parents. Their daughter’s name, Sterling Sol, meaning “silver sun,” reflected the light and hope they anticipated bringing into their lives.
However, tragedy struck just days before the Dodgers faced the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series. On October 23, the team announced that Vesia would miss the series to attend to a “deeply personal family matter.” At the time, details were kept private out of respect for the family. It was only days later that Vesia and his wife revealed the reason for his absence—the loss of their newborn daughter.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, and the couple understandably requested privacy as they grieve. In their message, they also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for their care and compassion during the most difficult moments of their lives.
A Wave of Support Across Baseball
As news of Sterling’s passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across Major League Baseball. Dodgers teammates, coaches, and fans wore Vesia’s jersey number, #51, on their caps and sleeves during World Series warmups. Even players from the opposing Blue Jays joined in the gesture—a rare and powerful sign of unity that transcended competition.
The Dodgers released a statement offering their “deepest condolences” to the Vesia family, saying:
“Alex and Kayla are beloved members of our Dodgers family. Our hearts are with them as they endure this unimaginable loss. We stand by them with love, compassion, and unwavering support.”
Messages of support also came from former teammates, baseball analysts, and fans who have followed Vesia’s journey since his debut with the Miami Marlins in 2020 and subsequent trade to the Dodgers. Many fans shared personal stories of grief and loss, creating a collective expression of empathy that showed just how much the baseball community can come together in times of sorrow.
Life Beyond the Game
For Alex Vesia, baseball has always been a source of passion and purpose. Known for his fiery competitiveness and emotional energy on the mound, he quickly became a key piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen, helping anchor their relief rotation in recent seasons. But now, life’s perspective has shifted in the face of profound personal tragedy.
Grief of this nature is not something anyone can easily move past, and teammates have publicly emphasized that Vesia’s well-being comes before the game. Manager Dave Roberts stated, “Baseball is family, and Alex is part of ours. Right now, all that matters is that he and Kayla know they are not alone.”
The Dodgers have reportedly given Vesia as much time as he needs away from the team to grieve and heal. It is unclear when he might return to baseball activities, and those close to him insist that there is no timetable—or expectation—to do so.
A Community of Compassion
Beyond the confines of the diamond, this tragedy has resonated deeply with parents, fans, and others who understand the pain of losing a child. Messages of condolences on social media have emphasized that the Vesias’ openness about their grief has given others permission to share their own stories and feelings of loss.
The couple’s courage in speaking publicly, even briefly, about their daughter’s short but meaningful life has touched many. In one of their closing lines, they wrote, “Thank you to everyone who has held us up in love and prayer. Sterling will always be our greatest blessing.”
While the coming months will undoubtedly be a time of mourning and quiet reflection for the Vesia family, they have already inspired countless people through their strength and vulnerability. The Dodgers community—and indeed, the entire baseball world—continues to rally behind them, offering reminders that no one has to face heartbreak alone.
Remembering Sterling Sol Vesia
Amid the shock and sadness, the name Sterling Sol Vesia will be remembered not only by her parents but by thousands of fans who never met her yet feel connected through shared humanity. In the words of Alex Vesia himself, “Our little angel will always be with us.”
As the Dodgers prepare for the next season, one thing is certain: every time Alex steps back onto the mound, he will do so carrying the love of a community—and the memory of his daughter—forever in his heart.
