Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia has, for the first time in years, shaved off his beard, going clean-shaven as he approaches a major contract.
Alex Vesia’s latest contract projection
Vesia is one of three free agents in ESPN’s Top 50, along with Tarik Skubal and Kris Bubic.
Kiley McDaniel, an MLB expert for ESPN, ranked Vesia No. 27 overall and projected a two-year, $25 million contract.
McDaniel’s contract projection comes from a mix of his understanding of the market and conversations with agents and executives.
“Vesia peppers the top of the zone with his 90-94 mph fastball that has huge ride, created by his high arm slot, the most vertical arm slot in baseball,” McDaniel wrote for ESPN.
“That unique combination of traits leads to odd angles and more whiffs than you’d expect, as well as pop-ups, but also a number of fly balls and walks. It all adds up to a setup-type reliever who should land a two- or even three-year deal.”
As a southpaw reliever with experience and a long track record of reliability, this contract projection is much more in line with expectations for Vesia than Spotrac’s projection of around $7 million per year.
Contenders and emerging rebuilding teams can both use high-leverage relievers, and the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets all have bullpen openings.
Vesia is entering the free market for the first time in his career, and with his notable career jump, he is also changing something else about him.
Vesia’s wife, Kayla, posted a video on TikTok that shows Alex getting rid of his signature long, black beard.
Over the last year, Vesia hasn’t been shy about growing his facial hair, which has become part of his signature look.
Dodgers Nation’s Noel Sanchez broke down the video and laid out why it is so notable.
While Vesia’s beard removal likely doesn’t hint at his future team, in a shallow free agent market and with the Dodgers evaluating all parts of the team, the southpaw may be ready to move on as well.
Regardless of where he plays, Dodgers fans should relish that a true developmental success story is going to get paid his worth.
