Reyes Moronta, who formerly pitched for Major League Baseball (MLB), tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident at just 31 years old. The accident took place in front of his father’s home in the Villa Gonzalez area, close to Santiago in the Dominican Republic, on July 28, 2024.
Moronta was known in the MLB for his high-speed fastball and slider. Over a span of six seasons, he had stints with the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Angels.
His MLB career started in 2010 when he signed with the Giants as an international free agent. Moronta made his MLB debut on September 5, 2017. He had a standout season in 2018, featuring in 69 games and recording a 2.49 ERA.
The Giants took to social media with the message, “His warm spirit will be missed by all, and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
After suffering a shoulder injury in 2019, Moronta underwent surgery and missed the entirety of the 2020 season. Despite striving to regain his top form, he spent the subsequent years moving between teams, including the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Angels. In 2022, he recorded a 4.30 ERA across 39 relief appearances with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.
In 2023, Moronta signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers but was let go during spring training. He briefly played for the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League before signing with the Angels organization. His time with the Angels was brief, as he was designated for assignment and sent to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees.
The Aguilas Cibaenas, Moronta’s most recent team in the Dominican Republic, expressed deep regret over his sudden death. “We profoundly regret the unexpected death of pitcher Reyes Moronta, who died yesterday,” they posted on their social media platforms.
The Mexican Baseball League also paid tribute to Moronta. They extended their condolences and expressed unity with his family, friends, and former colleagues in their time of loss. The league’s players and baseball operations department prayed for Moronta’s eternal rest.
Reyes Moronta’s career, punctuated by his potent pitches and commitment to the game, will be remembered by his fans and peers. His journey from a young international free agent signing with the Giants to playing a significant role in MLB and Mexican League teams speaks volumes about his talent and determination.
