Former Major League Baseball (MLB) player Reyes Moronta has tragically died at the age of 31 in a motorcycle accident. The fatal accident took place outside his father’s residence on July 28, 2024, in the Villa Gonzalez area near Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Moronta, famed for his high-speed fastball and slider, had a six-season career in the MLB, playing for teams including the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Angels.
Moronta’s professional baseball journey began in 2010 when the Giants signed him as an international free agent. He made his first appearance in an MLB game on September 5, 2017. The following year, he had an exemplary season, appearing in 69 games with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.49.
The Giants acknowledged the sad news on their social media, stating, “His warm spirit will be missed by all, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
In 2019, a shoulder injury led to Moronta undergoing surgery, causing him to sit out the entire 2020 season. Despite his attempts to regain his top-level performance, he found himself moving between teams in the subsequent years, including stints with the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Angels. He recorded a 4.30 ERA in 39 relief appearances with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks in 2022.
In 2023, Moronta agreed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers but was let go during spring training. He briefly played for the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League before joining the Angels organization. However, his time with the Angels was short, as he was designated for assignment and sent to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees.
His most recent team, the Aguilas Cibaenas, expressed their deep sorrow over the sudden loss of Moronta on their social media accounts, announcing, “We profoundly regret the unexpected death of pitcher Reyes Moronta, who died yesterday.”
The Mexican Baseball League also paid tribute to Moronta, showing solidarity with his family, friends, and former teammates in their time of grief. The league’s operations department and players extended their condolences and prayed for Moronta’s eternal rest.
Reyes Moronta leaves a legacy in the world of baseball, marked by his powerful pitching and unwavering commitment to the sport. His journey from signing as a young international free agent with the Giants to becoming a significant player in both MLB and Mexican League teams stands testament to his talent and tenacity.
