While the Los Angeles Dodgers made some big moves to improve their roster during the offseason, they also completed under-the-radar acquisitions that could pay dividends down the road.
One such deal that fits into that category was the addition of Alex Vesia, who was brought over in the trade that sent Dylan Floro to the Miami Marlins. Vesia has limited experience at the Major League level but is believed to have superb stuff and fills a big need for the Dodgers as a left-handed relief pitcher.
The Marlins organization was the only one the 24-year-old had ever known though, so Vesia admitted to being surprised by the trade, even though he is happy with his situation now.
“It was quite a shock, actually. I had no idea that was even a thought in the Marlins’ organization,” he said. “Kind of took two or three days for it to settle in and everything. I got here and felt right at home. It’s been a great transition so far. I’ve been working with all the pitching coordinators and everything. It’s been going pretty well.”
As a young player, Vesia pointed to the plethora of veterans on the Dodgers roster as those he is excited to learn from.
“I just feel like I’ll be able to learn a lot from the guys in the clubhouse, the veteran arms and stuff like that,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to picking their brain as the season gets going.”
The Dodgers have one of the deepest pitching staffs in baseball, so Vesia is not a lock to make the Opening Day roster, even if the organization is high on him long-term.
“My initial thought was I’ve got to go and compete and win a job in the bullpen,” he said of joining the Dodgers. “Obviously our rotation is top tier and now I’m looking forward to hopefully making an impact on the backend.”
As it currently stands, Victor Gonzalez is the only lock to make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster among lefties after his breakout 2020 season. That would leave Vesia competing with the likes of Scott Alexander and Garrett Cleavinger for one spot if the team carries two southpaw relievers.
Prior names Vesia among standouts
It appears that Vesia’s spring is off to a good start as he has already impressed during bullpen sessions at Camelback Ranch.
“One, left-handed. We always love left-handers. But I just think his fastball is unique. I think we have a potential to use that in matchups,” Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said of Vesia.
“We’ll do what we can to educate him what he can do with the fastball and what he can do with his other pitches to really capitalize on his arsenal. It just came out. It was coming out free and easy, the ball jumps on guys. That was eye-opening.
“Same with Cleavinger and other guys. We lost Jake McGee and unfortunately we lost Ferg for the year, and that’s a weapon we like to have in our bullpen. With those two guys gone, this year specifically, we’re looking for somebody to take that type of role.”
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