Reyes Moronta, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, passed away at 31 in a motorcycle accident. The tragedy took place on July 28, 2024, outside his father’s residence in the Villa Gonzalez vicinity, near Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Moronta, known for his impressive fastball and slider, had a six-season MLB career with teams including the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Angels.
The Giants signed Moronta as an international free agent in 2010, marking the start of his MLB journey. His first MLB game was on September 5, 2017. The following year, he had a standout season with 69 appearances and a 2.49 ERA. The Giants expressed their condolences, stating, “His warm spirit will be missed by all, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
After sustaining a shoulder injury in 2019 that required surgery, Moronta missed the entire 2020 season. Despite his determination to regain his form, he shifted between teams in the subsequent years, including the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Angels. In 2022, he recorded a 4.30 ERA over 39 relief stints with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.
In 2023, Moronta inked a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers but was let go during spring training. He had a short stint with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League before joining the Angels organization. His tenure with the Angels was brief; he was designated for assignment and transferred to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees.
The Aguilas Cibaenas, Moronta’s last team, expressed their deep sorrow over his untimely demise. “We profoundly regret the unexpected death of pitcher Reyes Moronta, who died yesterday,” they posted on their social media pages.
The Mexican Baseball League also paid tribute to Moronta, extending their condolences to his family, friends, and former teammates. The league’s baseball operations department and players prayed for his eternal rest.
Moronta’s baseball career, marked by his powerful pitching and commitment to the game, will be remembered by both fans and fellow players. His journey from being an international free agent signed by the Giants to a significant player in the MLB and Mexican League is a testament to his talent and tenacity.