Alex Vesia, the young left-handed pitcher who made his debut for the Miami Marlins in 2020, has been a topic of discussion in the baseball world lately. Fans of the Marlins have been wondering if Vesia’s contract will be extended or if he will be traded to another team.
This article will explore whether Vesia was ultimately traded and to which team he ended up going.
The Trade
Details of the Trade
On February 12, 2021, the Miami Marlins traded LHP Alex Vesia and RHP Kyle Hurt to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for RHP Dylan Floro. Floro started his major league career with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 and signed with the Dodgers in 2018.
In his three seasons with the Dodgers, Floro appeared in 123 games, with an ERA of 3.33, and a WHIP of 1.20. Last year, he pitched in 25 games, compiling an ERA of 2.59 in 24.1 innings.
Alex Vesia is a left-handed relief pitcher who made his debut for the Marlins in 2020. He made his major league debut on August 6, 2020, tossing a perfect inning, with two strikeouts against the Baltimore Orioles. In 5.1 innings of work last season, he had an ERA of 5.06.
Kyle Hurt, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of the University of Southern California. He has yet to make his debut in professional baseball.
Analysis of the Trade
The Dodgers made this trade to acquire bullpen depth. Dylan Floro was a reliable relief pitcher for the Dodgers last season, and he could fill a similar role with the Marlins. The Marlins, on the other hand, acquired Floro, who figures to be a significant upgrade in their bullpen.
Last season, the Marlins’ bullpen had an ERA of 5.50, which ranked 27th out of 30 teams in the league. Floro should bolster their bullpen with a much-needed reliable arm.
Alex Vesia did not have a long major league career for the Marlins, but he has potential and is a promising young left-handed reliever. However, Kyle Hurt, who has not played a professional baseball game, is more of a wildcard in this trade.
Impact on the Marlins and the Dodgers
The impact of this trade on the Dodgers is minimal. Dylan Floro proved his worth in the bullpen last season, and if he can continue that success in Miami, he will be a valuable addition to the Marlins. The Dodgers, with their depth in pitching, may not miss Floro.
For the Marlins, they are getting a proven major league player in Dylan Floro, who can help them improve their bullpen. This acquisition should provide a significant impact for the Marlins, as they look to build upon their successful 2020 campaign.
The Dodgers traded Dylan Floro to the Marlins for Alex Vesia and Kyle Hurt. The Marlins acquired a significant upgrade to their bullpen, while the Dodgers added depth to their pitching staff. While there are no immediate game-changers in this trade, it could pay dividends down the line for both teams.
Who is Alex Vesia
Vesia’s Career
Alex Vesia is a left-handed relief pitcher who was born on April 14, 1996, in California. He played college baseball at Cal State East Bay before being selected by the Miami Marlins in the 17th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Vesia began his professional career with the Batavia Muckdogs of the New York-Penn League in 2018 and quickly moved up the minor league ranks, reaching the Double-A level by 2019. He made his MLB debut with the Marlins on August 8, 2020.
Performance Stats
Vesia’s debut season in the majors was a mixed bag. In 19 appearances, he posted a 5.51 ERA and a 1.701 WHIP, allowing 12 earned runs and 22 hits in 19.2 innings pitched.
However, he also struck out 23 batters and only issued six walks, flashing the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that made him a highly-regarded prospect in the Marlins’ system. Vesia’s fastball averages around 92 mph and he also throws a slider and a changeup.
Potential Future Prospects
Despite the underwhelming results of his first MLB season, there’s reason to be optimistic about Vesia’s future prospects. As a left-handed reliever with an ability to miss bats and limit walks, he fits the profile of a valuable bullpen asset.
Additionally, he’s just 24 years old and has minimal wear and tear on his arm due to his limited professional experience. He’ll likely start the 2021 season in the minors, but if he can refine his command and continue to develop his secondary pitches, he could be a useful piece for the Dodgers in the years to come.
Kyle Hurt
The Miami Marlins traded Kyle Hurt along with Vesia to the Los Angeles Dodgers, in exchange for Dylan Floro. Hurt was drafted by Marlins in the 5th round of the 2017 MLB draft.
Hurt’s Career
Kyle Hurt is a Spring Grove, Pennsylvania native, and played college ball at the University of Southern California. In his first season at USC, he was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball.
In his sophomore year, he was named to the All-Pac-12 team. He continued to pitch well in his junior year before being drafted by the Marlins.
Performance Stats
The 6′-3″ pitcher has played two seasons in the minor leagues, mostly in the Single-A level. In 2019, he recorded a 3.71 ERA in 17 games with the Batavia Muckdogs. In 2020, he spent time at the alternate training site and in instructional league, as there were no minor league games played last year due to the pandemic.
Hurt has a good fastball that he can spot up in different locations of the zone. His slider continues to improve, and he also works in a changeup, which he uses to keep hitters off balance. His ability to control his pitches and work both sides of the plate sets him apart from other pitchers.
Potential Future Prospects
Hurt has the potential to be a middle of the rotation starter in the future. He has the physical tools and the pitchability to succeed at higher levels. He will likely start the 2021 season in High-A, with a chance to move up to Double-A if he pitches well.
Hurt will join a stacked Dodgers organization, which will allow him to learn from some of the best coaches and players in the league. If he continues to develop his game, he could make an impact with the Dodgers in the future.
The Marlins’ decision to trade Kyle Hurt should not be perceived as a lack of talent, but as a necessary move to acquire a much-needed bullpen arm. Hurt has the potential to be a solid pitcher in the future and will have ample opportunities to develop his game in the Dodgers’ organization.
Dylan Floro
Floro’s Career
Dylan Floro is a right-handed pitcher currently playing for the Miami Marlins. The 30-year-old was originally drafted by Tampa Bay Rays in the 13th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. However, he didn’t make his major league debut until 2016 when he played for the Chicago Cubs.
Since then, Floro has played for a variety of teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. He joined the Marlins as a free agent in 2021 after being traded by the Dodgers.
Floro’s Potential Impact on the Marlins
Floro is considered an experienced reliever who can pitch in high-leverage situations. Averaging 93 mph on his fastball, he has a sinker and a slider in his arsenal that make him effective against both left and right-handed hitters.
He was very productive during his time with the Dodgers, having pitched for them in 51 games and giving up only 16 runs in 55.2 innings pitched. Floro’s addition to the Marlins’ bullpen could provide a significant boost to their pitching options.
They could use him in clutch situations, and his presence could help settle the bullpen in tight games. Moreover, his performances could also make an impression on management to see him as a potential closer.
Floro’s Career With the Dodgers
Floro played 2 seasons for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2019-20, recording an ERA of 3.10 in 102.2 innings pitched. He also helped the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series, pitching six innings throughout the playoffs and allowing only one run.
Despite putting up solid stats, Floro struggled during 2020 with getting out left-handed hitters, giving up an OPS of .778, nearly 150 points higher than righties. However, his overall performance in Los Angeles deemed him valuable as the Marlins traded away two young prospects and obtained him in return.
The addition of Dylan Floro to the Marlins’ bullpen offers them an experienced arm to rely on in crucial situations. His overall career stats, emphasis on stats that suggest his skill as a reliever, and previous experience in the playoffs with two NL Championship teams make Floro an attractive option for a team that is looking to take the next step in their rebuilding process.
Is Alex Vesia a Good Pitcher?
Alex Vesia is a good pitcher with a 2.19 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. He struck out 133 batters in 94.1 combined innings. Vesia’s stats show he is efficient and effective. The pitcher is known for his strong postseason performances.
He has helped his team in clutch moments. Vesia’s strengths lie in his ability to strike out batters. His control and command improve with each season. Vesia’s consistency is apparent in his stats over two seasons.
He has the potential to become even better in the future. Overall, Vesia is a promising player with a lot of potential.
How Much Does Vesia Make?
Alex Vesia makes $750,000 a year. This is his current contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The contract guarantees him the full $750,000. Vesia’s average salary per year is also $750,000. His contract is for one year only.
It is unknown if there are any bonuses or incentives included in the contract. Vesia is a pitcher for the Dodgers. He joined the team in 2020. Vesia previously played for the Miami Marlins. His salary may increase or decrease depending on future contracts.
To Recap
The Miami Marlins did decide to trade Alex Vesia to the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 2021. Along with another young prospect, Kyle Hurt, Vesia was part of a deal that brought Dylan Floro to the Marlins.
While it remains to be seen how Vesia will perform on his new team, Marlins fans will certainly be keeping an eye on his progress and wishing him all the best as he continues his career in the Major Leagues.