Former MLB reliever Reyes Moronta, who last pitched in the majors last season, has died according to an announcement from the Mexican League’s Bravos de Leon.
A report from Mike Rodriguez indicates that Moronta’s tragic passing followed a traffic accident earlier Sunday evening. Moronta, who pitched for the Giants, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Angels over a six-season MLB career, was just 31 years old.
Moronta began his professional career in September 2010 at 17 years old, signing with the Giants out of the Dominican Republic with a $15K bonus. He made his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League the following year, impressing with a 2.13 ERA in 42 1/3 innings.
He debuted stateside the next year and gradually advanced through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut with San Francisco in 2017 at the age of 24. His initial stint in the big leagues lasted just seven appearances, but he posted a strong 2.70 ERA in 6 2/3 innings, striking out 37.9% of batters faced.
Moronta’s impressive start earned him a larger role with the Giants in 2018, where he became a dominant force in the bullpen over the next two years. He posted a 2.66 ERA (50% better than league average by ERA+) and struck out 29.3% of opponents, despite a 13.8% walk rate.
Unfortunately, injuries began to impact Moronta’s career when he underwent surgery for a torn labrum in his right shoulder in September 2019. He missed the entire 2020 season while rehabbing and returned in 2021, but an elbow sprain limited him to just four innings that year.
After being outrighted off the Giants’ roster and electing free agency, Moronta signed with the Dodgers on a minor league deal before the 2022 season. While not as dominant as earlier in his career, he posted a solid 4.30 ERA in 37 2/3 innings for the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, with a 23.6% strikeout rate.
Moronta entered free agency again after being non-tendered by Arizona. He signed with the Rangers on a minor league deal and pitched in camp, but was released before the season began. He then signed with the Angels on a minor league deal in May and made two big league appearances before finishing the season at Triple-A with a 3.32 ERA and a 28.4% strikeout rate in 40 2/3 innings.
This past winter, Moronta joined the Bravos de Leon and struck out 24 batters in 19 2/3 innings. Throughout his MLB career, Moronta posted a 3.05 ERA in 170 games, with 202 strikeouts and three saves.
MLBTR extends condolences to Moronta’s friends, family, former teammates, and coaches, as well as all those mourning his tragic passing.