Ian Smith conducts an exclusive interview with Marlins LHP Alex Vesia. The former 17th-round draft pick struck out 100 batters in just 66 2/3 innings pitched during his first full professional season, ascending all the way up to Double-A Jacksonville. Vesia reminisces about dominating the Arizona Fall League, becoming an unlikely walk-off hero and more.
Vesia dominated MiLB competition in 2019 with a 1.75 ERA and 1.99 FIP—both of those marks were best in the Marlins organization among all players with 50-plus innings pitched. Minor League Baseball took notice, selecting him as a Top Relief Pitcher finalist for their annual MiLBYS awards.