Ex-MLB reliever Reyes Moronta, 31, is killed in a four-wheeler accident near his father’s home in his native Dominican Republic
Former Major League relief pitcher Reyes Moronta has been killed in a four-wheeler accident in his native Dominican Republic.
The 31-year-old’s death has been confirmed by his Mexican League team, the Bravos de León. According to local reports, he was driving near his father’s house in the Quinigua neighborhood of Santiago province.
Moronta, who had a 100 mph fastball, had recently been acquired by Aguilas Cibaeñas of the Dominican League.
Moronta is the son of a truck driver father and a cigar-rolling mother. He grew up in a small town north of Santiago and attended high school in nearby Villa González, home of former New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes.
“We deeply regret the departure of Reyes Moronta,” read a translated X-post from the Bravos de León. “We wish family and friends a quick acceptance of this news.
Reyes Moronta (45) throws during a game between the Brewers and Dodgers in 2022
Moronta throws during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in 2018
‘A hug to heaven.’
Standing under 6’1″ and weighing over 250 pounds, Moronta signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants in 2010 for a mere $15,000 as a teenager.
But it wouldn’t be until 2017 that he finally reached the big leagues, posting an impressive sub-3.00 ERA in each of his first four seasons.
Despite his success, Moronta was forced to sign with Diablos Rojos of the Mexican League in 2022, until the Los Angeles Dodgers extended him an invitation to spring training.
Moronta spent the remainder of his career with LA, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers, before making a few more appearances in the Mexican League and playing 1.1 innings as a reliever with the Anaheim Angels in 2023.
During six seasons in the MLB, Moronta posted an impressive ERA of just 3.05.