Reyes Moronta, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, tragically lost his life in a vehicular accident in the Dominican Republic this past Sunday. Moronta, who had a six-season career in the MLB and played for four different teams, was only 31 years old at the time of his death. His most recent team, the Bravos de León of the Mexican League, confirmed the unfortunate news.
Moronta was reportedly driving a four-wheeler back to his residence when the accident occurred. A photo of an overturned four-wheeler was shared by MLB insider Héctor Gómez, who cited a source close to Moronta. The accident took place in the Quinigua neighborhood, near the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, as reported by Dominican news outlet El Pregonero.
The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) expressed their shock and sadness over Moronta’s untimely death in a statement. They extended their deepest sympathies to Moronta’s family and friends in the Dominican Republic and across the baseball community.
El Pregonero also reported that Moronta had recently been acquired by the Aguilas Cibaeñas team. The Bravos de León expressed their deep regret over Moronta’s passing and extended their condolences to his family and friends.
The Mexican Baseball League also mourned the loss of Moronta in a separate statement. Moronta had signed with the Bravos de León in May and was released by the team on July 25, as per his transactions page on MLB.com.
Moronta, a right-handed reliever, had previously pitched for the Giants, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks before making two appearances with the Angels in 2023. Over his 177-game career in the major leagues, Moronta had a record of 10 wins and 11 losses, with a 3.05 earned run average and 202 strikeouts in 171 1/3 innings.